Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544465
5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 17 APRIL 2026 OPINION The importance of planned maintenance Thousands of people move from one part of Gozo to an- other every single day. Yet seldom people stop to consid- er that this daily commuting is possible because of continuous investment in the infrastruc- ture, including roads. Part of this investment is the mainte- nance and cleansing of roads. It is a continuous, carefully coordinated responsibility that very often is taken for granted and the people generally thinks about it when there is a short- come or things do not work as planned. In Gozo, this responsibility falls under the Maintenance and Public Cleansing Direc- torate within the Ministry for Gozo and Planning. The Di- rectorate oversees the upkeep of public infrastructure across the island, including roads and ancillary infrastructure, public monuments, stormwater cul- verts, fountains, and electrical services. In short, it safeguards much of the infrastructure that underpins daily life in Gozo, through quality, proper prepa- ration and strict adherence to standards. To give concrete examples of the work which is done by the Monuments & Fountains Sec- tion within this Directorate, it is enough to say that this Section carries regular clean- ing and maintenance on twen- ty-nine bronze memorials, four stainless steel memorials, fif- teen works of art, three mosa- ic murals, four historic niches and ten fountains around the island of Gozo. Another con- crete example is that during the summer months of June, July, August and September 2025, more than twenty tonnes of waste in total was collected from the main beaches of Ram- la Il-Hamra, Hondoq ir-Rum- mien, Marsalforn and Xwejni. Maintaining roads on pre- sents unique challenges. First, increasing traffic volumes in Gozo, places constant pressure on the network. Heavy rainfall, although very often sporadic, can quickly expose vulnerabil- ities in drainage systems. At the same time, necessary ex- cavations for utilities require vigilant monitoring and proper reinstatement to preserve road integrity. Secondly, maintenance is not simply about fixing what is broken, but it is also about planning. Preventive interven- tions extend the lifespan of ex- isting roads, protect public in- vestment, and enhance safety. Through regular inspections, public feedback, and coordi- nation with local councils and other authorities, priority ar- eas are identified and works scheduled in a way that bal- ances urgency with the need to minimise inconvenience. Arterial routes that carry the bulk of daily traffic are moni- tored closely, while rural and village roads are assessed with- in a broader, long-term main- tenance framework. By com- bining data-driven planning with practical, on-the-ground assessments, the Directorate works to maintain a network that serves everyone — from public transport users to resi- dents of the most remote ham- lets. Thirdly, seasonal planning al- so plays a crucial role. The dry summer months are strategi- cally used for resurfacing and structural repairs, while during the winter the focus is shifted on the drainage systems and stormwater culverts. This for- ward-looking approach helps prevent larger, more costly damage and reduces prolonged disruption. Of course, mainte- nance inevitably brings tem- porary inconvenience. Road closures, diversions, noise, and restricted parking can be frus- trating. Yet these measures are introduced to protect both workers and the public, and to ensure that works are complet- ed efficiently and safely. In recent months, the Main- tenance & Public Cleansing Directorate within the Minis- try for Gozo and Planning has reached an agreement with the Cleansing and Maintenance Division of Malta for the provi- sion of six eco-friendly sweep- ers which will be utilised to clean various arterial and sec- ondary roads in Gozo. These sweepers will be located in the capital Victoria, the two popu- lar beaches of Marsalforn and Xlendi and also in the local- ities of Gozo. In fact, we have reached another agreement with the Gozo Regional Coun- cil to allocate the services of two of these sweepers to the Gozitan Local Councils in or- der to assist them better in the cleaning of secondary roads which fall directly under their responsibility. As Gozo continues to evolve and develop, maintaining and strengthening its infrastruc- ture must remain a shared pri- ority. Well-maintained roads are not just a matter of conven- ience; they reflect our commit- ment to safety, sustainability, and responsible governance. Infrastructure may not always capture headlines, but it shapes our daily lives. Through con- tinued investment, careful planning, and collective re- sponsibility, we can ensure that Gozo's roads remain accessi- ble. Ivan Attard, Director Maintenance and Public Cleansing Rabat, Gozo (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)