I write in reply to a letter entitled Roads in Gozo (TMID, 17 March). I agree with Mr Revel Barker in saying that most access routes, not only to Ghajnsielem, but also to other parts of the island, are far from desirable. However, one should note that it is precisely because the Gozo Ministry is aware of the situation that it is working on a road reconstruction programme, including the installation of necessary services as required, throughout.

Ghajnsielem is presently receiving much attention with road construction works having been recently finished in Dun Frangisk Mizzi Street, 26 January 1855 Street, Firilla Street and Barumbara Street with others planned to start in other residential areas such as Qighan Street, Merchants Street and others. Other roads in residential areas in Xaghra, Victoria, Xewkija, Kercem, Ghasri, Marsalforn and Nadur will also be reconstructed in the coming months.

Arterial and distributor roads are also receiving the attention due with reconstruction works having already started in the Victoria-San Lawrenz stretch, and soon to be followed by Mgarr road, Xlendi road and Ramla road. These road works, most of which should be finished by end of 2006, some of which extending into the first quarter of 2007, cover more than 19 per cent of Gozo’s arterial and distributor road network.

These roads are being done following the reconstruction of arterial and distributor roads such as those connecting Ghasri and Zebbug, part of the road leading to Marsalforn and part of that leading to Nadur during the previous legislature, together with the reconstruction of 60 residential roads across the island.

It is to be remembered that the ministry has opted to invest its road budget into upgrading its road network by reconstructing it, rather than giving it a few layers of tarmac – an option that would have served to cover longer stretches! Yet, the decision went towards investing with a long-term view in mind, sticking to the philosophy that it is better to invest in fewer but properly-built roads rather than opting for a cheaper, more public-relations friendly but shorter-sighted strategy.

Marion Zammit

Communications Coordinator

Gozo Ministry