Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543356
5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 20 FEBRUARY 2026 NEWS Gozo sees 59% surge in approved building permits for new homes THE National Statistics Office (NSO) has reported a significant increase in construction activity on Gozo, with approved building permits for new dwellings rising by 59.1% in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. A total of 490 new dwellings received approv- al, slightly down from 512 in the previous quarter. The locality of Zebbug, which includes Marsalforn, led the is- land with 89 approved dwellings, followed by Victoria with 78, Qa- la 69, and Xewkija 63. Other are- as saw smaller numbers, includ- ing Munxar (55), Ghajnsielem (41), and Xaghra (38), while Fon- tana and Ghasri recorded no new approvals. Nationally, the fourth quar- ter saw 3,487 new dwellings approved across 597 permits, marking a 54.4% increase over the same period in 2024. In Mal- ta, new dwelling approvals rose by 53.6%. The NSO highlighted that apartments continued to dominate the market, account- ing for 71.8% of all new dwellings approved. The data underscores growing residential development on Gozo and across Malta, reflecting ris- ing demand for housing while al- so highlighting the ongoing trend toward apartment-style living. Nominations open for 11th Gozo Sports Awards NOMINATIONS are open for 11th 11th edition of the Gozo Sports Awards which will rec- ognize Gozitan athletes for their achievements across mul- tiple sporting disciplines. At a press conference, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri de- scribed the awards as an impor- tant platform to acknowledge the dedication and commit- ment of local athletes, who con- tinue to raise Gozo's profile both nationally and interna- tionally. "These awards not on- ly celebrate success but also serve as inspiration for future generations to engage more in sports and maintain an active lifestyle," he said. He added that the government is committed to providing athletes with state- of-the-art facilities for training, such as the current Sports and Aquatic Pavilion, which bene- fits individuals of all ages. Sports organizations are invit- ed to submit nominations for one or more categories based on performances and accom- plishments in 2025, including events held in Gozo, elsewhere in Malta, or internationally. The award categories include: Official of the Year – for in- dividuals serving in administra- tion at an association, club, or event. Coach of the Year – for qual- ified coaches engaged by an association, club, or regional selection. Team of the Year – for a team representing Gozo or a local club. Active Athlete Recognition (45+) – selected by the Direc- torate for Services under the Ministry for Gozo and Plan- ning. Lifetime Sports Achieve- ment – selected by the Directo- rate for Services. Special Olympics Recogni- tion – selected by the Directo- rate for Services. Promising Young Female Athlete – under 21, represent- ing Gozo or a local club. Promising Young Male Ath- lete – under 21, representing Gozo or a local club. Female Athlete of the Year – not previously nominated as Promising Young Female. Male Athlete of the Year – not previously nominated as Promising Young Male. Individuals may nominate someone only if no sports or- ganization is involved. Or- ganizations may submit one nomination per category, and self-nominations are not al- lowed. Nominations opened on Monday, 16 February 2026, and can be submitted online via mygozo.gov.mt or gozo. gov.mt until noon on Mon- day, 9 March 2026. Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, 15 April 2026. A total of 490 new dwellings received approval, slightly down from 512 in the previous quarter Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri was present at the event annoucing that nominations are open for the Gozo Sports Awards