Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1528773
7 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 1 NOVEMBER 2024 OPINION Clint Camileri is Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri THE government has allocated a record-breaking budget of €93 million to Gozo, representing the largest budget allocation in the island's history. This new budget sees a near €9 million in- crease—or 10%—over the previ- ous year and a remarkable 180% increase over the last budget al- located by a Nationalist govern- ment, which provided only €33 million for Gozo. With the aim of transforming Gozo into a stronger, more ac- cessible, and culturally enriched island, the budget targets pro- jects ranging from infrastructure and education to social services and cultural initiatives. Sports Facilities This budget highlights the quality of life of the Gozitan and Maltese population and there- fore the general well-being of the citizens. A cornerstone of this investment is the inaugura- tion and the operation of Gozo's Aquatic and Sports Centre, the largest sports project in the is- land's history. This facility is expected to provide advanced sports facilities and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike with an Olympic size swimming pool. Infrastructure The government has allocated funds to continue development on Triq Ġorġ Pisani in Rabat, with the upcoming main road project in Marsalforn scheduled to follow. Further roadworks are planned to improve connec- tivity between Nadur and Qala, with arterial roads such as Triq it-Tiġrija and Triq il-Qala set for upgrades. Enhancing Connectivity Another long-awaited project— the Gozo Rural Airfield—will soon commence. This airfield will establish air connectivity for Gozo, a major step forward to- ward enhancing the island's ac- cessibility for both tourism and businesses. Gozo's Park & Ride facility in Xewkija, funded through Euro- pean funds, is also expected to begin operating next year, bring- ing a modern, sustainable transit solution to the island. Addition- ally, the government plans to add the 4th ferry to the Gozo Chan- nel fleet, aiming to bolster the is- land's maritime connectivity. Investment in Education and Care for the Elderly Education is another top pri- ority, with the government an- nouncing plans to invest further in Gozo's schools. Following the completion of Rabat's Primary School and Middle Schools and the Nadur Primary School, fo- cus will now shift to the primary schools in Kerċem and Żebbuġ. The government has also pledged enhanced support for the elderly population in Gozo. Dar San Ġużepp, a senior care facility, is now operating near full capac- ity, with the budget doubling its allocation to ensure the highest standard of care for Gozo's elder- ly residents and possibly further expanding such services. Cultural Growth and Tourism The new budget includes a sig- nificant boost in cultural and recreational funding. This in- itiative is intended to support year-round activities in Gozo, af- firming its status as an all-season destination and promoting its cultural heritage. In addition to the domestic funding, projects like the Victo- ria Park will be financed through record allocations of European Union funds, highlighting the government's commitment to leveraging international support for Gozo's development. The government has highlight- ed that this budget allocation underscores a clear contrast with previous administrations. It ar- gues that while opposition crit- icism lacks both credibility and capability, the government is de- livering tangible progress across Gozo. As the island prepares to em- bark on this historic phase of development, Gozo's residents can expect to see transformative projects unfolding in the coming months and years, supporting the island's economic, social, and cultural vitality. The government has allocated a record-breaking budget of €93 million to Gozo, representing the largest budget allocation in the island's history. This new budget sees a near €9 million increase— or 10%—over the previous year and a remarkable 180% increase over the last budget allocated by a Nationalist government, which provided only €33 million for Gozo. With the aim of transforming Gozo into a stronger, more ac- cessible, and culturally enriched island, the budget targets projects ranging from infrastructure and education to social services and cultural initiatives. Budget 2025: Largest Budget allocation in Gozo's history