“The government is committed to work with various church entities to support them in their mission especially in the social sector”. This was stated by the Minister for Gozo Anton Refalo following a financial agreement that was reached with the Xaghra Parish Church. The Ministry for Gozo shall be financing the materials and supplies required for this project which amount to around €106,000.

The Xaghra Parish Church has been seeking financial help for years to restore the parvis which has been in a degrading state for the past four years. This agreement was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Gozo Ms Joyce Dimech, Monsigneur Karm Refalo from the Xaghra Parish Church and the Gozo’s Curia Administrator Mr Victor Gusman in the presence of the Minister for Gozo Anton Refalo.

This project will also include the replacement of existing concrete tiling with natural stone paving; repaving of main stairs with natural stone; building of a new ramp to improve access to the parvis; and conversion of existing lighting system to an energy saving lighting system.

The project will contribute towards the upgrading of the village square; reinvigorate the use of a pedestrian area within the centre of the village; improve accessibility for persons with special needs; and reduce energy consumption, thus directly addressing the objectives of the Eco-Gozo vision.

The Minister for Gozo said that another project that will be finding the financial backing of the Ministry for Gozo is that of the Ta’ Pinu National Sanctuary. A crucial aim of these restoration projects is to increase religious tourism in Gozo.