After the plans for the Zewwieqa waterfront worth €5 million were unveiled a few months ago, works on the project have started in the past weeks.

Zewwieqa is the area on the right hand side of the Gozo Channel terminal at Mgarr. The area, which covers 18,000 square metres of land, offers breathtaking views of the channel between the two main Maltese Islands. The infrastructural work aims to enhance the area and offers an alternative attraction to offer tourists an improved product.

On Tuesday, Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono visited the works underway which involve excavations to lay the foundations for the project and the construction of a parking area to improve parking availability in the area.

The project includes the building of a new water reservoir to collect rainwater and the construction of a waterfront similar to the concept used at the Valletta waterfront or the Vittoriosa waterfront where visitors can spend time and enjoy the picturesque vicinities. A space will be allocated to house and exhibit on a permanent basis the Dgħajsa tal-Latini, a traditional boat which was used by commuters to travel between Malta and Gozo. Gozo Channel had recently taken the initiative to restore the only remaining specimen of the boat.

New sanitary facilities, garden furniture and outdoor light fittings will be installed to complement the development.

Mrs Debono said that the project is of importance not only for the tourism industry but also for the Gozitan people’s quality of life. She explained that the project is in line with Gozo’s sustainable development and complements the recently built Mgarr terminal and the reconstruction of Mgarr main street.

‘Iż-Zewwieqa waterfront’ will contribute to Gozo’s social and economic aspects, she added.

The project is estimated to cost €5 million. 85% of the costs will be financed by the EU Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under Operative Programme One of the cohesion policies for the period 2007 till 2013. The remaining 15% will be funded by public funds.