Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono said in Parliament yesterday that the budget was not only an account of accomplishments, but also a plan of work for the coming year. The government had a commitment towards Gozo, and its vision for it as an eco-island was thanks to the many unique elements it possessed, making it an essential part of Vision 2015.
Nationalist governments had always given Gozo importance to see the island prosper and make it a model of sustainable development, without exerting extra pressure on its resources. The €7.5 million invested would be going towards the various projects and services for the benefit of Gozo and its people. Admittedly the aims were ambitious ones, but by no means impossible.
The vision for Gozo, which unfortunately the opposition did not speak much of, had been mentioned during the electoral programme and, as always, the government would work to ensure the proposals were carried out.
At the beginning of this legislature, the government began working on a process of consultation regarding the project for Gozo. This gave an opportunity to everyone to contribute ideas and suggestions and sure enough many valid and practical suggestions were made. They had met with, and listened to, various individuals, experts and NGOs, to incorporate all the perspectives in the strategy.
The budget focused on development, even in terms of the not ideal global situation, and as always the government tried to use resources in the best interest of the country and the people. The budget was a cautious one and took the environment very much to heart.
Over the past year, many works had been carried out. Over €10 million were voted for capital projects in Gozo, with the aim of exploiting its unique points. The opposition said the government repeated projects and then never actually did anything. This was groundless criticism as there were various projects the Gozitan people would be benefitting from.
The sewage treatment plant, in itself an ambitious aim, was helping to do away with contamination in Gozitan bays. It gave back to the Gozitan people San Blas Bay and soon all the drainage in Gozo would be treated. The government was also working on re-using the water treated in these plants in the agricultural sector. Various achievements, such as closing down the hospital incinerator and the waste collection and separation system worked towards the long-term vision.
Various points in this budget also aimed to go further, such as the set up of a wind farm. These measures would be on a national scale, not under the Gozo ministry but Gozitans would benefit.
Nationalist MP Fredrick Azzopardi said the budget puts emphasis on sustainable development with the government building its strategy on Agenda 21 as set up by the 1992 world environmental summit in Rio de Janiero. Efficiency had to increase and investment in a clean technology made if the country was to realise its vision of a sustainable economy.
Mr Azzopardi said that Gozo benefitted from EU funds with new jobs created in the technology, engineering and pharmaceutical sectors. Gozo had to be given special consideration. This included a specific strategy to strengthen the information and communication sectors, enhance the financial, tourist, education and health sectors and to increase manufacture and services. He called on the public and private sectors to cooperate to realise this strategy.
The government's vision to turn Gozo into an ecological island by 2015 meant the island would have a better environment and a healthier population. The main focus remained the tourist sector with sustainable jobs and quality investment. Gozo needed to become a centre of excellence while strengthening its identity.
WasteServ are to organise an education campaign to promote better separation of waste and making better use of energy resources. Agreement had been reached with local councils to apply this regional strategy on a local level. Eco groups had to be set up to promote the concept of environmental sustainability.
The government is committed to safeguard Gozo's heritage and to promote the sister island as an agro and cultural destination in the Mediterranean and Europe. The government had also proposed professional and vocational training in Gozo through courses run by the University and Mcast.
Mr Azzopardi said that the government is striving to attract the cruise liner industry to Gozo and the Malta Tourism Authority is to set up a resources centre on the island. He called on the government to strengthen internal tourism during the shoulder months. Other measures taken by the government are meant to diversify the economy to one based on technology. Incentives by Malta Enterprise promote artisan and visitor centres.
The ministerial votes were approved after a division.