Gozo Minister Anton Refalo has excluded the possibility of building roads to help the public, including tourists, access what is being dubbed as the next Azure Window in Gozo – the natural arch in Wied il-Mielah.

The collapse of the Azure Window on Wednesday shocked many and, although nothing can replace its iconic beauty, Gozitans will be able to console themselves with another natural window, which is still intact, although very much open to the elements as the Dwejra arch was.

Dr Refalo’s earlier comments to the effect that he is committed to help make this attraction the "next thing to see in Gozo", got some people worried, especially when Minister Refalo used the word ‘accessibility’.

Naturally, people immediately thought of new roads leading to this wonder of nature.

However, asked by The Malta Independent whether he could be a bit more specific, Minister Refalo reassured us that the government has no intention of constructing new roads which lead to the site.

AD Chairperson, Arnold Cassola (above) yesterday took to Facebook to warn Minister Refalo to keep his ‘hands off’ Wied Mielah and not turn it into a new hub for kiosks.

Minister Refalo (above) told this newspaper that what he meant was that the government intends to help promote Wied Mielah as the next destination in Gozo. While excluding constructing new roads, he said it was still early to elaborate.

“We will be trying to make better, clearer signs for tourists. But when I said accessible, I meant visible through promotion,” he added.

Wied il-Mielah is situated in the limits of Gharb, and the area is far less accessible than the Dwejra arch was, and therefore more protected from erosion caused by human presence. It was a known fact that the many people who crossed over the arch in Dwejra were doing inestimable damage to the structure, and no doubt contributed to its eventual collapse.