The Gozo Ministry launched a scheme for the restoration of wind-powered water pumps. This scheme aims to valorise this practical and traditional application of renewable energy utilisation and is intended to subsidise costs related to the restoration of such systems that are presently found in fields around Gozo, while promoting it as a traditional sustainable application which is still valid. This scheme was also launched as an another initiative within the eco-Gozo concept.

Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono gave details regarding the scheme at a news conference in the limits of Marsalforn valley. The scheme will be financed by the Ministry for Gozo and co-ordinated by the ministry’s Department for Projects and Development. Eligible applicants must be residents of Gozo who either own property which is used for agricultural/agri-tourism purposes or registered farmers whose land is registered under IACS, where such systems are installed.

Applicants, who will be favourably considered under this scheme, will be entitled to a financial subsidy covering 75 per cent of the costs related to the purchase of equipment and/or labour required to render the system operational, up to a maximum of e1,000.

Further information regarding the scheme may be obtained from the website www.eco.gozo.com or from the ministry on tel: 2210-0210/2210-0261. Applications will be received by the Department for Projects and Development at the ministry, St Francis Square, Victoria, by Friday, 9 June.