The completed project for the regeneration of St John the Baptist Square in Xewkija, has been inaugurated by the Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana.

This project, which cost around €1 million, has seen the complete transformation of the main square located in the oldest village in Gozo after Victoria.

Dr Caruana explained that the project took care to balance both the architectural heritage that we find in the square, with the needs of the people for now and the future.

This project took around 7 months to complete, the Minister said, and work was carried out so as not to interrupt any of the important activities organised in the village.

Minister Caruana explained that this infrastructure investment in Xewkija is not an isolated case, but forms an integral part of several projects planned for the locality, “giving it back the dignity it deserves after years of complete abandonment.”

Investment in local roads is part of this, particularly Triq il-Knisja and Triq il-Hamrija and soon Santa Elizabetta, said Dr Caruana.

Work is underway on Ulysses Grove, which will see it turned into a family park, with facilities for sports too. She said that work is also being carried out on the restoration of the historic Xewkija Mill.

The Minister said that the Ministry, in close collaboration with the local council, is working on a project to regenerate the Gnien il-Haddiem

Dr Caruana concluded by saying that, “this is not the end, but the continuation of many useful projects to be conducted in this village, projects intended to meet the expectations of residents and the growing number of visitors. Projects based on sustainability and that respect the natural and rural heritage that makes Gozo.”

A decorative plaque was unveiled for the occasion by the Minister for Gozo and the square was blessed by the Archpriest of Xewkija Parish, Fr Daniel Xerri.

Photograph: MGOZ/Terry Camilleri

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