Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543739
THE Ministry for Gozo has re- jected claims that the Gozo In- door Sports and Aquatic Pavilion is not accessible to persons with disability, insisting that substan- tial investment has been made to ensure full inclusion. In a statement issued in re- sponse to remarks by PN MEP Peter Agius, the ministry said that, contrary to what was al- leged, the pavilion was designed and equipped to address the needs of persons with disability. The ministry said part of the pool has been fitted with a system that allows the water level to be adjusted from 2.3 metres down to five centimetres, enabling easier and safer access. A specially de- signed staircase has also been in- stalled to facilitate entry for indi- viduals with mobility difficulties. In addition, a hoist specifically intended for wheelchair users is expected to arrive in the coming days, allowing users to enter the pool safely and with dignity. The complex, the Ministry added, includes three lifts com- pliant with the requirements of the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD), four toilets and showers designed specifically for persons with disa- bility, and a further eight wheel- chair-accessible toilets. The Ministry also pointed to a training camp held on 24 and 25 January at the pavilion, organised by the Malta Trust Foundation and the Malta Paralympic Com- mittee in collaboration with Ital- ian coaches. The initiative pro- vided specialised aquatic training and competitive opportunities for 16 children with disability from Malta and Gozo. The statement was issued after Agius raised concerns in a video message about the accessibility of the facility on Tuesday. While de- scribing the pavilion as a positive investment for Gozo, the MEP alleged that persons with physi- cal disabilities were currently un- able to use the pool and said he had been informed that the com- plex had not been certified by the CRPD. He called for authorities to ensure full compliance so that the rights of persons with disabil- ity are safeguarded. In reply, the ministry main- tained that the measures imple- mented demonstrate that the pavilion is accessible and reiter- ated its commitment to ensuring inclusive sports infrastructure in Gozo. 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 ASSISTANT EDITOR: LAURA CALLEJA Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt 3 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 6 MARCH 2026 NEWS CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 Farm slurry carries an ex- tremely high organic load and cannot be safely introduced in- to the standard sewer network. WSC already operates a ded- icated facility in Gozo specif- ically for the lawful reception and treatment of farm waste, which is open to the farming sector five to six days per week. Despite this, farm waste has been entering the sewer net- work through the urban drain- age system, bypassing the con- trolled intake process entirely. Photos from the Gozo facili- ty shows farm slurry solids in the fine-screen area, confirm- ing contamination. Production of New Water is fully halted to prevent further damage to membranes. WSC said it will continue to monitor the situation and pro- vide further updates. Anyone with information about illegal farm waste dump- ing is encouraged to report it anonymously by contacting WSC's Customer Care Centre on 80076400. Water Services Corporation says illegal farm slurry dumped into Gozo's sewer network shut down new water production at sewage treatment plant Illegal farm slurry discharges into public sewers disrupted operations, WSC says Gozo ministry rejects Peter Agius's accessibility claims at Gozo sports pavilion Photographic evidence from the Gozo facility shows farm slurry solids in the fine-screen area, confirming contamination Left to right: PN MEP Peter Agius and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri