For the third consecutive year, signs that were placed in strategic places in the Gozitan countryside to assist ramblers to enjoy specific routes have been removed by an unknown person or persons. And for the first time, an information panel recently installed en route to Dwejra Bay has been completely removed. All this has happened this week, the Department of Information said yesterday.

The country signs were originally made of wood and were placed in strategic places to help those who decide to follow established walking routes, forming part of the Country Walks project for Gozo. This project was launched by the Gozo Ministry and the Malta Tourism Authority in 2002. After just a few weeks, a number of these signs went missing and workers in the Ministry for Gozo’s manufacturing section made another set, a number of which also went missing for a second time.

Recently, the ministry installed another set of signs, this time made out of local globigerina limestone. The material was chosen on two grounds: for the signs to be less transportable and hence more difficult to be stolen or vandalised, while at the same time, to complement the rural characteristic of the areas. This time, the signs were plastered in the same strategic spots however, for the third time they came under the eyes of vandals and have been removed once again.

In the last days, a panel recently set up at Dwejra has been completely removed. The panel indicated that the area will be turned into a heritage park, partially through EU funds, with an investment of e314,000 in a project seeing the collaboration of Government and Nature Trust (Malta). Two information panels were set up – one, alongside the road leading to the bay, and a second one in the main square. However, the first panel was completely uprooted by persons unknown.

These two projects are intended towards improving the rural and environmental aspects of Gozo, with the aim of improving the island’s tourism product, among others. However, it seems that the Government’s endeavours and investment towards improving the island’s physical characteristics, for one reason or another, are not being supported by a person or number of persons.

The ministry condemns these selfish and irresponsible actions by unknown individual/s and appeals to all those with any information, to contact the relevant authorities.