Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1536109
3 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 6 JUNE 2025 NEWS GozoToday is a weekly newspaper focused primarily on Gozo. It hopes to serve as a source of information on business, culture, entertainment and of course current affairs. Gozo has a special charm about it but it is also a bustling Island with an identity of its own. GozoToday is published every Friday and is available to numerous outlets in Gozo and on the ferries that carry so many visitors to Gozo from Malta and beyond. GozoToday MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-Rihan San Gwann SGN 9016 EDITOR: PAUL COCKS Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: dailynews@mediatoday.com.mt Tourism association concerned over road works in Gozo due to start during the summer season A number of significant road and infrastructural projects cur- rently underway across Gozo have prompted concern from the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA), particularly due to their timing at the onset of the busy summer season. Among the major works in progress is the long-anticipated reconstruction of the Victoria to Marsalforn Road, a key route for both locals and visitors. Ad- ditional roadworks are taking place on Triq Lapsi, leading to the Marsalforn parking area, while trenching operations on Triq il-Qbajjar are affecting ac- cess to Qbajjar and Xwejni Bays, which are now only reachable via Triq il-Port through the heart of Marsalforn. In Victoria, works on St. Do- menica Street are impacting traffic flow towards the popular Xlendi Bay area, while trenching on Triq it-Tabib Anton Tabone, Victoria's main artery leading to Sannat—is also underway. The GTA has acknowledged the necessity and long-term benefits of these infrastructural upgrades, highlighting the im- provements to Gozo's arterial roads, utility services, and over- all accessibility. However, the Association has strongly ques- tioned the decision to undertake so many concurrent projects during the peak tourist season. "It is not understandable why all these works were planned to coincide at the same time, right as the much-awaited summer season begins," the GTA said in a statement. "Such disruptions directly and indirectly affect re- sorts like Marsalforn and Xlen- di, which are heavily frequented during this period." The Association also raised concerns over inadequate sig- nage across several work sites, noting that while some signs have been put in place, many areas still lack clear and profes- sional guidance—posing a chal- lenge particularly for the thou- sands of foreign and domestic tourists navigating the island. The GTA has called on the rel- evant authorities to adopt better planning and scheduling prac- tices to minimize disruption to both visitors and tourism oper- ators. They also emphasized the urgent need for improved sig- nage to direct traffic safely and clearly through detours. "With proper coordination and communication, necessary road works can be carried out without compromising the is- land's vital summer tourism economy," the statement con- cluded. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The MP cited a report by Agi- us, showing that there are funds ready to be used. And that while other European islands take ad- vantage of such opportunities, Malta is stagnant. Furthermore, Borg argued that Gozo's double insularity should be viewed as an "eco- nomic opportunity" rather than an obstacle. He said that Gozo is more than capable of attracting different types of tourism and business than Malta. "We need to put together a drawing board and see what the best solution for Gozo is, and there should be a type of sun- set clause like they do abroad, where both parties work togeth- er," Borg said. The MP also pointed out that this year's budget showed re- duced capital expenditure for Gozo with no mention of spe- cific preservation measures. Turning to sustainable devel- opment, Borg said that there is a need for long-term planning beyond electoral cycles. "When it comes to sustainable development, both parties need to work hand in hand. There needs to be a long-term plan - this isn't about making plans for the next five years of your legislature, you need to make a 20-year plan where develop- ment in Gozo moves sustaina- bly," Borg said. Residents shouldn't have to book for Comino Regarding the newly intro- duced Comino booking system, Borg argued that Maltese resi- dents should not have to pay or book to visit land that "is part of their country." Moreover, he cited examples from Italy, where there were beaches reserved for local resi- dents. On the Chambre development project, Borg said that his posi- tion reflected his desire to see more quality tourism in Gozo, and that development could benefit Gozo. However, he cau- tioned that any development that took place must preserve the island's historical heritage. "I want to see quality visitors, quality development, quality tourists, quality jobs, quality ed- ucation, always quality, because I believe Gozo has special nich- es that can attract visitors that Malta cannot," he said. Alex Borg: 'I want to see quality visitors, quality development and quality tourists' PN MP Alex Borg said that Maltese residents should not have to pay or book to visit land that "is part of their country." File photo