Gozo Minister discusses Gozo projects with GRC; Committee elects new chairman

  • Minister says Aquatic Centre to open early next year, all-weather Olympic-sized pool to form part of project
  • M’forn, Xlendi masterplans discussed
  • GRC elections held earlier today, Joseph Borg elected chairman

Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri today mt with the Gozo Regional Committee within MCESD to discuss various pending issues including the Marsalforn and Xlendi masterplans. He said that work on the Marsalforn masterplan is about to start as the No Objection phase has now ended while the Xlendi masterplan has been approved.

Today, the GRC held its elections to elect a new chairman and deputy chairman. Mr Joseph Borg has been elected chairman while Joe Muscat, who was previously chairman, has been made deputy chairman.

The issue of parking cropped up in relation to the Xlendi project. However, if the government created a Park and Ride service, it would help solve the issue of parking at Xlendi. While some committee members suggested Rabat, others totally opposed the idea as Rabat is already jam-packed with parked cars.

The Minister said that a new Park and Ride system will soon be introduced next to the race course which will transport commuters to Mgarr and eventually Xlendi too.

The issues tied to the uprooting of trees and cycle lanes were also discussed.

The Aquatic Centre project was also discussed. The Minister explained that there are some 5,000 square metres of land and the demolition works have been conducted. He added that the excavation works have also been finalised and the foundation stones will be placed soon. The Minister said that by early next year, the sports complex, which will also host an Olympic-sized pool, should open.