Eco vision characterises Gozo Ministry's second year
Plan to convert government farm into research centre
A public consultation process about the government's eco-island vision was the main focus of the Gozo Ministry's second year in office.
Minister Giovanna Debono said yesterday the initiative generated constructive dialogue that resulted in the drawing up of an action plan to implement the vision.
The aim, she explained, was to safeguard the island's interests and promote economic, social and cultural development while protecting the natural environment and the land's identity. It also included an element of sustainability to continue improving the quality of life while preserving the island's unique characteristics.
The process led to the presentation of over 800 proposals, of which 80 were chosen, covering education, agriculture, the environment and alternative energy. These areas were allocated €25 million over three years in the last Budget.
A joint committee between the ministry and the University has been set up to draw up a plan to convert a government farm into a research centre. Preliminary studies have also been completed to identify renewable energy sources which could be used in Gozo, and discussions are ongoing with foreign companies interested in investing in this project. Moreover, an energy audit is under way to eventually install photovoltaic panels on the roofs of schools and other public buildings.
Cleaning and rehabilitation works have kicked off on more than 30 reservoirs and the ministry is looking into the possibility of converting sewage into second-class water for agricultural purposes.
Preparatory works have also started on the construction of a pool and sports facilities.
Regarding tourism, restoration works were carried out on bastions of the Citadel and a detailed master plan was drawn up. The construction of an interpretation centre at Ġgantija Temples has also been announced.
Mrs Debono explained that her ministry continued with other work related to socio-economic aspects that affect both residents and visitors.
She mentioned two projects: a modern-day care centre for those with disability and an institute of tourism studies to improve the service given to tourists.
She explained that Gozo's double insularity posed particular challenges to employment. Nevertheless, incentives and schemes launched by the government led to the setting up of an electronic card factory. In the last Budget, she continued, other incentives had also been announced, giving small enterprises and the self-employed what she described as positive discrimination.
A boys' secondary school would be built and Gozo hospital would have a radiology department, Mrs Debono said.
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lesley kreupl
Mar 20th 2010, 20:06
Eco-Island – what an appalling joke! If Ms Debono is serious about this concept and not merely wasting tax-payers money with expensive advertisements in the media, and lots of hot air and publicity can she please explain why on earth she allowed, for example, the following atrocities to occur?
- the Dwejra monstrosity to be sanctioned – JUST YESTERDAY!!!
- the Nadur cemetery to continue being built despite the destruction of the aquifer and the loss to farmers of their supply of fresh water
- the Il-Bukkett complex in Qala to go ahead, thus destroying an area of high scenic value
- high rise buildings in Marsalforn – no additional comment needed...
There are many many more such appalling examples and she has done nothing to prevent them!
It would be interesting to know what she really plans for Hondoq and Ramla.
Shame on you madam!
Marcel Mejlaq
Mar 20th 2010, 19:01
Besides Minister Debono proudly mentioning that a new institute of tourism studies was set up in Gozo, she should also mention that it is still being run wihout a properly qualified head. Despite investing in a state of the art school, little will the Gozitan tourism industry benefit from this investment because only the ESTS course is being offered and advertised as a full-time course, a very basic course aimed for beginners. No specialisation courses are offered or advertised and the school website which was developed to advertise specialised courses has been closed down. No part-time courses are currently being held because there was little interest in them which did not make the courses feasible. If she wants to see progress, she needs to tackle such problems first and act fairly because else the EUR 1.8 investment in the school will be worth nothing?
Hon. Debono should also mention the famous cruise linear berth, which has been coming for 4 years. She mentioned that last summer 4 cruise liners came to Gozo, the same amount which visits Malta everyday! These 4 cruise liners altogether did not have half the amount of 1 single cruise liner which visits Malta regulary!
Joe Grech
Mar 20th 2010, 17:25
Minister Giovanna Debono needs to inform people how many are employed in her Ministry. I believe it was ex Minister John Dalli who stated that there are far too many employed in Ms. Debono's Ministry.
People can deduce for themselves why this is the present situation.....
James A. Tyrrell
Mar 20th 2010, 15:06
It would appear that the entire island of Gozo is going to be rebuilt although developments in ODZ areas it seems are set to continue as we have seen in the past few days regarding the Dwejra project. Perhaps the Minister would care to comment on why this project was given the go ahead after being turned down three times? If it was wrong in the past to build a restaurant in that sensitive area why is it okay now?
Whilst you are at it Minister Debono can you tell everyone where exactly you stand on the Hondoq marina issue and the continuing cries for an airstrip in Gozo? Both of these are being considered in the name of tourism when the truth is that they will destroy the very eco-Gozo concept that attracts tourists to the island at the moment. I’m sure everyone in your hometown would love to hear your views on the Nadur cemetery too given the fact that it is going to destroy the livelihood of a lot of citrus farmers. I look forward to hearing your reply Giovanna.
Martin Camilleri
Mar 20th 2010, 13:54
First Of all I wish that Minister Debono could take good care of the Nadur Farmers and save their aquifer water, as they already have clean reservoirs, wells and catchments for their ground water.
Their aim is that one day Minister Debono will give to this Farmers a helping hand and protect what once was CRISTAL CLEAR TABLE WATER.
Victor Laiviera
Mar 20th 2010, 10:42
"Eco-Gozo"? How does the building of a restaurant at Dwejra (thinly disguised as an "Interptretation Centre - whatever that may be) fit into the concept of "Eco-Gozo"?
Christian Sciberras
Mar 20th 2010, 11:07
Not to (dis)agree, but what's wrong with building a restaurant? Maybe you'd better mention what's wrong with it?
Extreme environmentalism does only harm. The country needs correct planning especially in restructuring. Many people do not realize, you can as much as to build a whole hotel ecologically, in 5 by 5 meters. How? Modern engineering a planning.