Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1526855
7 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 INTERVIEW locality, tourism offers mostly a positive experience for everyone. How do you wish to see your locality develop? In an ideal world, the implementation of the 'Slow Streets' concept which is an urban plan geared towards giving back streets to the residents rather than cars would certainly offer a safe and traf- fic-free environment for everyone. Although it is by no means an easy feat, having a number of streets turned into pedestrian areas whilst having the residents' using bicycles, bus or walking would certainly contribute to our gen- eral well-being. I believe that by introducing a number of measures and incentives, our Local Council is slowly changing the men- tality and barriers associated with such concepts. Several similarly-sized Euro- pean villages have managed to turn the urban streets into a success story. Over the next five years, what should be the priority for Gozo in general, and your locality in particular? There should be urgent implementa- tion of proper policies, planning and enforcement from the authorities that will preserve and safeguard the island for future generations. All loopholes that incentivise illegalities should be closed. The Planning Authority is unfortu- nately seen as the protector of the de- velopers instead of the other way round. The never-ending permits being issued for agricultural rooms, sheep farms and massive developments are a major cause for concern. Just one large devel- opment in Gozo can totally change the social fabric of a village. To provide a perspective, in Għajn- sielem, three particular developments house nearly 20 per cent of the village population. Gozo risks losing its at- tractiveness as a tourist destination or simply as a place where one will want to live. Property development is picking up in Gozo ... is this a good thing for your locality, or does it only benefit developers? The property industry is an impor- tant economic pillar for Gozo's econo- my. There is nothing wrong in granting permits for apartment blocks, large or small, in certain areas. However, it should be done in a sus- tainable way where village cores are preserved against certain developments that do not respect the surroundings whilst historic places should have a proper buffer zone protection against controversial permits. Obviously, this is easier said then done but if the regulatory agencies do their part properly and efficiently, the right balance can be achieved. I also strongly believe that every devel- opment should contribute a small per- centage of the profits directly towards the Local Council (and hence the com- munity) in order to be used to maintain our infrastructure such as the upkeep of the roads, pavements, additional costs of waste collection and investment in nearby open spaces. Any other comments / observations? Local councils should have more au- tonomy, resources and decision-making power over matters that directly affect the residents instead of relying solely on central government entities. After all, it is our local councils that know best what are the priorities and needs for our citizens. There is nothing wrong in granting permits for apartment blocks, large or small, in certain areas. However, it should be done in a sustainable way where village cores are preserved against certain developments that do not respect the surroundings. Throughout the year, the Ghajnsielem Local Council organises a number of cultural events as the main square is closed for traffic and changed into a pedestrian area