PM views EU-financed projects in Gozo

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi on the weekend visited construction works underway on two major projects that are being co-financed by the European Union in Gozo.

These are the training facility for tourism studies in Qala and the new Crafts Incubation Centre in Ghajnsielem.

The Training Facility for Tourism Studies project involves the demolition of the previous Institute for Tourism Studies (ITS) complex and the construction of a new training facility at an investment of c1.5 million under the Structural Funds Programme for Malta for 2004-2006, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

It includes the construction of a restaurant, bar, main kitchen, kitchen for training purposes, a reception area, classrooms, laundry, library and facilities for housekeeping and accommodation.

The Ministry for Gozo said this project will make it possible for Gozitan workers and students who wish to pursue a career in the tourism industry to benefit from further quality training opportunities and a wider selection of courses in Gozo.

Complementing this project, the government is offering a number of courses in Gozo, co-financed through the European Social Fund. The courses, available free of charge to Gozitans over 16 years of age, are being offered in food preparation and production, food and beverage service, housekeeping, bartending and customer care in a temporary institute at Xewkija.

The project supporting the crafts sector in Gozo involves the extension of the existing Wistin Camilleri Gozo Centre for Art and Crafts and the construction and setting up of the first Crafts Incubation Centre in Gozo.

The project, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the Structural Funds Programme for Malta for 2004-2006, involves the investment of around c850,000.

The project will house additional classrooms for the existing centre, offices, exhibition space, as well as a number of workshops that will be made available for local craftsmen and women who would like to set up a business in the production of crafts.

Together with this project, eight crafts-related courses have been held earlier this year while more courses will be offered throughout the next academic year. The courses are being provided under the European Social Fund.

Addressing the media during the site visit, Dr Gonzi said the projects demonstrated the government's commitment to take advantage of the island's opportunities and potential to further improve Gozo as a whole.