As the modernisation and refurbishment works are in full swing at the Gozo Sports Complex, the Gozo Ministry should have an indoor swimming pool constructed within the complex. I wonder whether the EU could subsidise the project.

The other day, it came to my knowledge that the Malta Environmental and Planning Authority has rejected Otters Aquatic Sports Club's application to construct an open air pool on the Marsalforn foreshore.

It seems Mepa's refusal was based on a couple of factors: that this development would run counter to various dispositions. I now expect the Gozo Ministry to extend its helping hand to the club, whose sportive mission is unique on the island. If, however, valid objections are made and invalidate the integration of an indoor pool within the sports complex, then the Ministry could study the alternative.

Franco Scicluna has suggested an indoor pool be constructed within the secondary school premises which are being rebuilt in this area. I can see no reason why the club should now be left in the lurch, once its aspiration has failed. Besides, with the current invasion of jellyfish in our seas, the waterpolo players cannot train in open waters as much as their sport requires.

The sterling service that the Otters management is providing to our youngsters deserves public appreciation. Although Alternattiva Demokratika's Gozo Regional Committee opposed the construction of the Marsalforn pool to safeguard part of the foreshore, it has publicly upheld the construction of an indoor pool on the island.

I expect the Gozo Ministry, whose record of assistance to NGOs has never faltered, to support efforts for the construction of such a national asset.

The benefits generated by the pool at Tal-Qroqq, part of the University Complex, are indeed astounding. I can see no reason why Gozo should remain bereft of this national indoor commodity.

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