Ghawdix has welcomed the various incentives announced during the Budget Speech, but also insisted on the need for “more action and vision with regard to planning policies.”

Ghawdix is a young eNGO that is focusing on the protection of Gozo’s environment.

It said that “the measures and incentives to help in the conservation and restoration of Maltese homes that beautify our towns and villages are very encouraging. We continue to insist, however, on the need for a regional policy when it comes to planning that corresponds to the needs and character of the island.”

The eNGO argued that “Gozo does not deserve further weekend flats, tall and ugly buildings at the edges and foundations of our villages. How will we ensure that such atrocities cease?”

With regard to the restoration of rubble walls in Gozo, Ghawdix noted that there are “serious doubts about the methods being used to make this happen.”

According to the eNGO, “in the past few days, several people have expressed their concern about the use of material and methodology for building rubble walls in the valleys of the island of Gozo. We refer in particular to what is happening in the Ramla l-Hamra valley.”

Free public transport is another measure in the budge that will help and incentivise residents to start using public transport more, the eNGO said. “Surely there is much more that can be done in this area, especially considering that the traffic, even on the island of Gozo is increasing so much that on the weekend everything is blocked.”

Ghawdix also called for “clear and honest information and education on the new heliport modernisation project proposed by the government so that we can analyse how the island will be affected from an environmental point of view.”

Regarding the reverse osmosis plant in Hondoq ir-Rummien, the eNGO stated that, “our country lacks a policy on water use and it is evident that serious abuses that will lead to a situation of serious drought in the country, especially with the unlimited (and some illegal) use of boreholes not being addressed.”

Ghawdix therefore called on the local authorities to recognise “the state of emergency we are in with regard to the use and management of water in our country.”

While progress has been made in recent months in the development of the Gozo Regional Development Authority and its work, Ghawdix said “it is worrying that this budget has not continued to explore and vote for more resources to further strengthen Gozo’s regionalism – not only in terms of the Authority but beyond it.”

“There are encouraging points, and we welcome them in good faith. As a Gozitan non-governmental organisation, Ghawdix remains concerned that there does not appear to be any specific and clear vision plan for the future of Gozo that will ensure an adequate standard of living for families and Gozitan communities, while respecting and respecting the unique character of this island. This is especially with regard to the field of construction and planning.”

Ghawdix concluded by saying that, “the state of the environment in Gozo is threatened and therefore we encourage Gozitans and all those who love this island, at the forefront of Gozitan politicians, to unite behind a clear vision that complements Gozo.”

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