Writing on Facebook on Sunday, former Prime Minister Alfred Sant, noted that “a great many people (most of them Gozitans) agree that the “development” on the island of Gozo has reached levels that are not sustainable.”

The MEP said that “of course there is truth in what is being said. The island is becoming like Malta in miniature and will lose the genuine value it had and which used to attract visitors to it.”

Alfred Sant stressed that “the problem is that there are too many ambiguous intentions in the mix.”

“I can’t understand for example how serious promoters of tourism in Gozo on the one hand express concern about this aspect of the ongoing `development,’ and on the other hand come out in favour of that monstrous project – the tunnel between Malta and Gozo – which at least seems to be back on the shelf,” said Sant.

Or you will also find them in favour of that project that was resurrected when it should have been completely abandoned – that of building an airport for passenger planes.

An online survey carried out by the Gozo Tourism Association which was published last week, has confirmed that the tourism sector on Gozo is “seriously concerned about the overdevelopment in Gozo.”

The GTA said that the absolute majority of the establishments stated that Gozo is “losing its charm and characteristics due to over development on the Island.”

Furthermore, the GTA stated that 91% of the survey respondents declared that this development will deter tourists both foreign and local from visiting Gozo.

Those surveyed were also asked for their views on the general Gozitan touristic product. Again, a significant majority of 81% of the survey participants stated that “the unfinished projects are giving a shabby look of the destination,” the Association said.

Furthermore 62% of participants, stated that the Island needs a “general clean up, recommending as well continuous maintenance of public places, playing fields, public gardens and green areas.”

Last month the Gozo Regional Airfield project was given the green light by the Gozo Regional Development Authority.

The next step is for the Ministry for Gozo to submit an application to the Planning Authority.

There has been nothing heard about the tunnel project for some time.

File photo

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