Budget 2011| Gozo’s budget to increase to €73.4 million

According to the new budget, the Eco-Gozo Vision will accommodate 39 businesses in 7,800 square metres. The government will seek to allocate €25 million for three years and is working with the private sector to create industrial areas for small and medium-sized businesses. Preparations have started to build an SME Park in Gozo.

There will be a continuation of the rainwater storage facilities in the winter months to decrease the impact on the water-table.

€500,000 will be allocated for the promotion of Gozo as a touristic destination as well as the continuation of the international advertising campaign for Gozo as a separate destination.

Gozo’s budget shall focus on more recreational spaces for the family, with various afforestation and embellishment projects around the whole island. Amongst these, is included the new public garden at Marsalforn. The budget has also included structural works in schools around Gozo and next year, now that the necessary permits have been issued, the construction work on an indoor pool shall begin.

Tenders are being issued for works on Triq Frangisk Portelli, Triq San Lawrenz and Triq il-Gebla tal-General. According to the budget, the reconstruction of roads in Xlendi and Ta’ Pinu have already been planned.

The government said it will ensure that small and remote villages will be given a transport service even if this is not profitable and a viable and regular alternative to private cars is to be created in Gozo.

The budget has called on a project to develop the Government farm in Xewkija into a Centre for Research, Development and Innovation in Agriculture.

€5.4 million will be invested to upgrade taz-Zewwieqa Waterfront. Plans for next year also includes the closure of the last sewage outfall. Water produced by the sewage treatment plant shall be used for secondary use like in the agricultural sector.

There will be a development of a human resources strategy which will help meet the industry’s needs.

Refurbishment works at the Dentistry Department at the Gozo General Hospital shall continue together with a promise of improved facilities at the Hospital. These include the installation of a new Radiology Unit and the refurbishment of the operating theatre.