Policy on Gozo 'yielding results'

The government's policy for Gozo in the last four years had produced unprecedented results, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday.

Gozo had registered its lowest levels of unemployment and the highest levels of Maltese and foreign visitors, clear proof that the government's policies were yielding results, he said.

Dr Gonzi also remarked that although the government was committed to reducing the deficit, it did not hold back from investing in capital projects on the sister island.

Giving an overview of the government's performance in Gozo during the last year, Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono said that among her ministry's top priorities were investment in the education and health sectors.

Ms Debono said that more than Lm110,000 each year had been invested to improve the infrastructure and facilities at the Gozo General Hospital.

Over the last four years, over Lm800,000 had been invested in an embellishment and modernisation programme for schools. A Gozo centre of the Malta College of Art, Science and Technology had also been opened.

Ms Debono mentioned improvements in social services, culture, sports and communications, while also noting that Lm750,000 had been spent to rebuild a number of arterial and minor roads.