We all know through experience that dreams and ideas can be attractive, plans and pledges innovative, but it is the commitment to implement them in a disciplined manner that finally leads to success.

Over the past week, Parliament started debating the Budget 2019 Measures Implementation Bill, the legislative tool that formally authorises the expenditure for all budget measures to be implemented. As is customary with all budgets, most measures come into effect on 1 January. For the second time running, we can only speak of benefits as this is the second one without any new taxes and the third consecutive budget that has a surplus. It is basically the time of the year when the population can better understand and experience how better off they are when plans and pledges will affect them throughout 2109.

Pensioners and families, and all other sections of the population have already experienced their benefits while January payments have already been effected. I was one of the speakers when the House debated the Bill and had the opportunity to spell out the various measures specifically applicable to Gozitan residents and families, over and above all other benefits on a national level. I also went through the long list of projects that are already in hand and other new ventures that will start being implemented through a record financial allocation for the Gozo Ministry which has seen a 30 per cent increase for 2019.

 

Specific benefits

Four schemes have been introduced, all aimed at assisting Gozitan workers, students, patients and their accompanying relatives. With the introduction of these schemes, an equivalent of over €1 million in benefits is being given back all those concerned.

The Travel Reimbursement for Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment at Mater Dei has been reviewed and extended to the adult accompanying the patient. This scheme will be open to patients travelling between the islands in government hospitals for treatment against cancer, for renal dialysis or operations. As from this year, financial assistance will be given not only to the patient but also to the accompanying adult. Besides refunding the ferry tickets to the patient and one accompanying adult, the Gozo Ministry will also provide additional assistance to ease the burden of accommodation in Malta, particularly when early morning surgeries require them to spend the night in Malta. This assistance will be a maximum of €45 per night.

In line with the government's vision to promote collective transport a compensation of €1.50 per day - amounting to around €650 a year - will be given to those Gozitan workers who organise such methods of transport. All Gozitan workers who work in Malta will be entitled to Gozitan Works Subsidy. This means that for the first time, the anomaly that existed until now, that only government employees are given full refund of the ferry ticket, has been removed. As of this year, workers in the private sector in Malta will also benefit from €300 annually. In both these schemes, applications need to be made in July 2019.

These initiatives are the result of the government's commitment to listen to the suggestions put forward by various organizations. These initiatives are measured, studied and integrated with the Gozo Ministry's vision and intended to further assist and improve the quality of life for Gozitans.

 

Delivering on projects

As already mentioned, the Gozo Ministry is committed to assist Gozitan students requiring affordable accommodation in Malta. A new project was launched this week by which Villa Lauri in Birkirkara will be restored and refurbished. Since the 1980s, the large villa had been used to shelter migrant families and child. It was closed in 2010 and was left abandoned and therefore needs extensive refurbishment work.

Months of discussions with the Franciscan Province have led to this first of other initiatives of its kind. The premises, which are leased for an initial 15-year period will be converted into a residence and will fulfil two functions - to accommodate Gozitan students seeking further education in Malta and relatives of Gozitan patients recovering or given medical attention in Malta. This building will house 33 individuals in either self-contained apartments or shared rooms. An application to the planning authority was submitted last year and is in an advanced stage of processing while a tender for structural works has already been published. Work includes the replacement of dangerous ceilings and roofs, new services including plumbing, drainage, electricity, new finishes, new lift and restoration of the imposing façade.

This will not be the only venture to help students and patients' relatives while in Malta, as a holistic plan is being formulated to ensure the best way to deliver on our pledges. I am personally committed to ensure that my team at the Ministry is continuously focused on implementing the various targets we have set ourselves for this legislature and for the years to come. The successful economic growth gives us the additional impetus to secure better financial and social well-being to fellow Gozitans and future generations.

 

The Gozo Aquatic Centre

Another electoral pledge has also started being implemented this week. After 15 years of promises, excavation work has started on the Gozo Pool or as it is now called, the Gozo Aquatic Centre. After careful planning and hours of discussions with our counterparts, this space was rebranded for the obvious reason - to maximise the space provided to be enjoyed by as many as possible. The Gozo Aquatic Centre will have two purposes - one aimed for aquatic sports and another for therapeutically activities. After discussions with the Aquatic Sports Association, we took their advice to have a pool measuring 33meters x 20 metres which, according to their long experience, is the optimal size for any aquatic sports activity.

The site is in central Victoria next to the Gozo Sports Complex, a site that was earmarked for this development a long time ago. While the excavation work is now in hand, the final tender for the building and finishing works is being prepared. The tender will be issued when excavation works are at an advanced stage. This project is envisaged to be ready by 2020 or beginning of 2021 and it will be a dream come true for many Gozitans who for long decades have aspired to have such a facility.

The new Gozo Aquatic Centre will provide an all year round training space and will also be within the Ministry's vision of promoting the island as a welcome destination for sports tourism.

With all this work going on, coupled with the extensive roadworks and other infrastructural projects, I am proud that the Gozo Ministry is now implementing what my fellow Gozitans have needed and requested for years. All such works need time to get off the ground given the legal, financial and administrative processes we are bound to and very keen to follow, and I am absolutely determined to convert promises and pledges into reality. All that we have started in the very first weeks of the year signal our resolve for the coming months.