The Gozo Tourism Association said Tuesday it is truly flabbergasted by the announcement of the Xewkija Local Council, that it will be objecting against the development of the rural airfield at ta' Lambert in Xewkija.

At this juncture, the Gozo Tourism Association asks why now the Xewkija Local Council is calling for the suspension of the airfield's Planning Application, the GTA said in a statement.

In a post on Facebook, the Xewkija council said councillors had unanimously agreed that the Council objects against the application for the development of an air strip within the limits of Xewkija.

The council said it believes that this project will be a nuisance for Xewkin residents and harmful to the environment including increased pollution and loud noises. The council demanded that application number PA 07333/22 be suspended in order to hold an open consultation meetings for all local residents with the aim of addressing their concerns and safeguarding their interests.

In reply, the GTA said that as part of the public consultation process the Gozo Regional Development Authority held a meeting on 16 May 2022 with the same Xewkija Local Council to discuss the economic, social and environmental impact of this airfield. 

What the GTA failed to point out is that the Xewkija council today is not the same council that took part in the 2022 meeting, as fresh elections were held last June.

The GTA said that during the same consultation process, in May 2022, two meetings were held by Gozo Regional Development Authority for the general public, during which the numerous attendees had the opportunity to air their concerns, opinions as well as their proposals.

Therefore, there was ample time and occasions during which the Xewkija Local Council had the opportunity to vent its concerns and those of its residents. The Gozo Tourism Association believes that all Gozitans irrespective of their political creed, support initiatives that enhance and augment the connectivity between Malta and Gozo.

In this respect all the Gozitan politicians should back this alternative mode of inter-island connectivity. It cannot be us Gozitans to deprive our Island and its inhabitants from benefitting from the facility of the airlink. Finally, the Gozo Tourism Association called on the political class to end any political bickering where air connectivity to the Island region of Gozo is concerned.