In March 2013, the new Labour administration was faced with a number of problems left over from the previous PN administration. One of these was the terrible state of the road infrastructure in Gozo. Many studies have identified the importance of a good road infrastructure as being directly related to economic growth. Good roads also help enhance the tourism package Gozo offers which the Ministry for Gozo is trying hard to promote. It is pointless promoting the unique sites Gozo offers when the roads that lead to them are riddled with potholes, bumps and cracked tarmac. I would even say that it is counterproductive as shoddy roads convey an image of shabbiness and neglect. Furthermore, numerous surveys show that the state of the roads is a major concern for the population.
With these facts in mind, the Ministry for Gozo embarked on an extensive programme of road works. A good example is 8 September Avenue in Xaghra, which leads to the magnificent UNESCO listed Ġgantija temples and one of the busiest squares in Gozo. In 2013, the road was in a deplorable state which reflected the disregard with which the previous administration had treated this main thoroughfare. I am pleased to say that 8 September Avenue is now a road that suits the destinations it leads to. This was not a unique case. In the legislature spanning 2008 to 2012, the PN administration only resurfaced two kilometres of roads using national funds, while between 2013 to 2016 around 21 kilometres of roads were resurfaced. In terms of total expenditure, this translates to €9 million in the last three years which is a considerable amount when compared to the €7 million spent in the last five years by the PN government.
On 22nd February 2008, shortly before the general election, the PN government had, with great fanfare, opened two road sections. These two sections had been rebuilt as part of the Ten-T project, which was envisaged to connect Mġarr harbour to Dwejra. In 2012, five years later, notwithstanding a considerable amount of money being spent the series of road works was still not completed. It had to be the present administration to finally complete the roads, by finishing Saint Ursola Street, the remaining part of Republic Street, Franġisk Portelli Street and the remaining part of San Lawrenz Road.
Another major roadwork project of note is the Ħondoq to Ta’ Ċenc pipeline project carried out in conjunction with the Water Services Corporation. When the WSC had secured funding to upgrade its pipeline, the Ministry for Gozo saw the opportunity to further upgrade the road network. This involved a lot of planning and coordination between the Ministry, the WSC and the Sannat, Xewkija and Qala local councils. The project was not only limited to the asphalting of the roads but pavements were also repaired and rubble walls were rebuilt, while water services, storm water culverts, and other underlying infrastructure were replaced.
Although this is fine, the Ministry for Gozo has no intention of resting on its laurels and slackening the pace it has set itself.
The Ministry is committed to continue improving Gozitan roads and plans to upgrade a number of roads in the near future.
Dr Refalo is Minister for Gozo