This year will be another outstanding year for Gozo with projects of a different nature implemented for the benefit of the socio-economic development of the island, said Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono yesterday.

Minister Debono was speaking at a press conference to announce the government’s plans for projects in Gozo this year.

Mrs Debono highlighted the main projects that will be taken in hand during 2007 in the health, education, environment, economy and physical infrastructure areas.

She explained that the ministry has recently embarked on major upgrading works in the hospital dining room and in the male and female general wards to modernise the main health service provision.

The complete upgrading of one of the operating theatres will follow these projects and a new radiology unit will be set up, she added.

Furthermore, said Mrs Debono, new and additional medical equipment will be installed to offer services that are currently unavailable at the Gozo General Hospital.

Other than the infrastructural development in schools, Minister Debono said that the Ministry for Gozo will again offer more courses for the benefit of adults in Gozo.

Mrs Debono explained that courses for adults will be on offer again following the strong interest shown with more than 600 Gozitans attending one or more of the EU co-funded courses held specifically in Gozo through 2005 and 2006.

A number of main roads including Ramla Road, Xlendi Road and the road connecting the Victoria-San Lawrenz road to Ta’ Pinu, will be redone, and the laying of asphalt on residential roads will also continue throughout this year, she said.

The Dwejra rehabilitation project will also continue in 2007 while the rehabilitation of the Qortin landfill will be in hand this year through Wasteserv.

The Waste Water Treatment Plant project and the Civic Amenity Site for solid waste will also be completed this year, while works for the implementation of the Sewage Master Plan will continue, said minister Debono.

All these plans are a clear indication of the government’s commitment towards Gozo’s well-being, she added.

Further plans for Gozo, with the aim of boosting employment and supporting organisations that hold cultural events that attract more tourism for Gozo, will be announced in the near future, concluded Mrs Debono.