The Ministry for Gozo recognises and fosters the public character of urban spaces and their capacity for fostering social cohesion. Its policy is to highlight the relational and civic aspects of the typically urban space. In particular, village and town squares, which in Malta and particularly in Gozo have traditionally been the place where the most important building – the Church and the open-air market – Is-Suq – are located and thus the people’s favourite meeting place both for business and leisure.
To achieve this end, my Ministry is currently carrying out several embellishment works in various localities on the island. One of the places which has been earmarked is the centre of Xagħra. Xagħra is the second-largest village of Gozo, second only to Nadur. But it ranks second to none in both Malta and Gozo with the number of prehistoric sites, like Ninu’s cave, Xerri’s Grotto, the Brockdorff Circle and Calypso’s cave. It also hosts Ġgantija, the oldest free-standing structure in the world. Nevertheless, Xagħra is no Pompeii. Despite its roots pre-dating the invention of the written word, it is still a vibrant leisure centre; a mecca for foreign tourists and Maltese alike. Lying in the shadow of its baroque parish church, its main square is a leading one on the island for business turnover. Its restaurants are packed with customers throughout the year.
Nevertheless, Xagħra is not being left to rest on its laurels. It will have a new traffic management plan. The Ministry for Gozo is investing nearly half a million euro to upgrade the square and 8th September Avenue, the main street leading to it. The money is being invested in a holistic project aimed at giving the centre of Xagħra a new identity. In the perimeter of the square, the existing tiles and underlying materials have been removed. Binding was cast, followed by waterproofing membrane and the casting of a concrete ground slab ready for the laying of travertine slabs. The paving material is in hand and work on its laying will commence shortly. The parvis is being thoroughly restored at an additional cost of €100,000. The soprabank, balusters and sottobank were taken up, the wall below the sottobank restored and the new balusters have been carved, ready to be put in position. The statues that guard the central entrance to the parvis have been removed and are undergoing restoration off site. All electricity and other cables will be removed from the facades of the private edifices surrounding the square. The council is collaborating with the Ministry for Gozo in the removal of these cables, passing them through an underground culvert, at the cost of €60,000. All the water mains of the square and 8th September Avenue have been replaced. The 550-metre long avenue from the square to Ġgantija will be resurfaced with tarmac.
The Xagħra Local Council is to install new street furniture in the square and a storm water culvert from the square to Shaft Street s to ease the water flooding problem especially during the winter months. This project is financed by the Leader Programme of the European Union and costs €168,000. Showing off the centre of Xagħra forms part of our strategy to upgrade our public spaces, to improve the quality of life of residents, and enhance the tourist product. Do remember to go there when you visit Gozo.
Dr Refalo is Minister for Gozo