The government is seriously considering having an airstrip for fixed wing aircraft in Gozo, with one proposal being to have a grass strip which would blend well with the environment, the prime minister said this evening.
Dr Muscat was speaking during the last in a series of public consultation meetings organised by the government. It was held at the former Malta Shipbuilding shed in Marsa.
Dr Muscat said that there seemed to be a lot of enthusiasm on the sister island for such an airstrip, but the government would first need to evaluate the environmental impact of the project.
He also announced that the government was working on plans to have day surgeries performed in health centres, as part of a plan to reduce the load at Mater Dei hospital. At the same time the government would continue to outsource operations which could be performed in private hospitals.
Dr Muscat said that in the coming weeks the government would give an impetus to the sector through various policies. He added that each year, an additional 100 beds will be required and the government would have to cater for this. The health sector was the top priority for this administration.
The prime minister said that some of the suggestions made last year in such public consultation meetings had already been implemented.
He pointed to the significance of the event being held at the former shipbuilding yard, recalling that one of the first initiatives taken by the government was to issue a call for the development of this site as a maritime hub. Almost 40 submissions were made from various consortia.
At this stage the government was looking at the possible uses of this site such as those related to the maritime industry as well as industry. The site has potential for the creation of hundreds of jobs. This would also be an opportunity to train young people in maritime skills.
"We want this site transformed from an industrial cemetery to a place where jobs are created for the Maltese people", he said.
The prime minister said that the government was also finalising plans to assist in research and the the manufacture of drones. So far two companies have shown interest, he said.
The meeting is still going on.