Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544339
4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 10 APRIL 2026 NEWS Regeneration project for Madonna ta' Loreto square in Ghajnsielem to begin A regeneration project for Pjaz- za Madonna ta' Loreto in Għajn- sielem is set to begin, with works aimed at improving the urban environment, enhancing public comfort and strengthening the locality's overall aesthetic. The project, funded by the Ministry for Gozo and carried out in collaboration with the Għajnsielem Local Council and the parish, forms part of ongo- ing efforts to upgrade public spaces across Gozo. Works will start with a site preparation phase, including preliminary arrangements, safety measures and access co- ordination to ensure a secure environment for implementa- tion. This will run alongside the necessary permits, tech- nical surveys and verification processes to ensure high stand- ards in both design and execu- tion. The project will also involve the removal of existing ele- ments that are in poor con- dition or incompatible with the new vision for the square, followed by excavation and ground preparation works, in- cluding interventions related to underground services and supporting structures. Plans include the installation of new paving using natural materials and high quality fin- ishes to improve both the ap- pearance and accessibility of the space. The square will be equipped with new urban fur- niture and public amenities such as benches and bollards to better organise and enhance its use. A modern bus shelter with a modular design and glass structure will also be installed, alongside a water feature in- tended to reinforce the square's character. Improvements to lighting systems and electri- cal services are also planned, as well as the installation of CCTV systems to increase se- curity. Environmental enhance- ments will include the addition of plants and soft landscaping, supported by irrigation sys- tems to create a more sustain- able and vibrant space. Final works will include testing and commissioning to ensure the square is fully operational. Announcing the project, the Minister for Gozo Clint Camill- eri said the initiative forms part of broader strategies including Gozo: An Island of Villages and the Malta Vision 2050, aimed at creating modern, accessible and high quality public spaces. He said the regeneration is in- tended to revitalise the square as a central meeting place with- in the community while con- tributing to residents' quality of life and promoting sustain- able development and modern planning. The project will also involve the removal of existing elements that are in poor condition or incompatible with the new vision for the square, followed by excavation and ground preparation works, including interventions related to underground services and supporting structures PN raises questions over Refalo's conflicting claims on Qala property linked to Totò Riina THE Nationalist Party has called on Agriculture Min- isterAnton Refalo to clarify conflicting statements about a property in Qala reportedly linked to mafia boss Totò Rii- na. In a statement issued on April 7, the PN referred to revela- tions broadcast on the Italian programme Lo Stato delle Cose on Rai 3, in which Refalo was filmed without his knowledge. During the interview, he said the house where Riina alleg- edly stayed while on the run belonged to him, but could not recall when or from whom he had acquired it. Following the broadcast, pre- senter Massimo Giletti said he received correspondence from Refalo stating that the property was not his and had only been leased, without specifying from whom. The PN said the discrepancy raises serious questions and called on the minister to clarify which version is correct. According to the statement, Refalo also said during the in- terview that he does not know who Totò Riina is and de- clined to answer further ques- tions about the property when pressed. The party added that Refa- lo gave unclear answers about when he acquired the house, initially saying he could not re- member and later suggesting it was before his marriage around 25 years ago, without providing exact dates. In reaction, Prime Minis- ter Robert Abela said Refalo had provided documentation showing that the property he leased had no connection to Riina. He said the villa belongs to an Italian woman and was administered by her legal rep- resentative, a former PN candi- date, from whom Refalo leased the property in 2002. Abela said the timeline shows there is no link between Riina and the ownership or lease of the property, and criticised the PN for what he described as at- tempts to "smear" individuals without verifying facts. He also pointed to historical context, saying Riina had en- tered and exited Malta between 1987 and 1993 under a previ- ous PN administration. However, the Prime Minister Robert Abela did not directly address Refalo's claim that he does not know who Riina is, stating instead that he person- ally is aware of the mafia boss's identity. Moreover, the prime minister dismissed any con- nection between the minister and Riina. The PN is also asking whether Abela sought clarification from Refalo and whether the police have taken any steps in relation to the case. The controversy centres on longstanding claims that Riina, who was convicted in 1993 for multiple murders, had spent time in Gozo in the past. The PN said the public deserves clear answers on the ownership and history of the property. Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo