After a number of discussions between the Ministry for Gozo and Planning and Din l-Art Ħelwa Gozo and Din l-Art Ħelwa, an agreement was reached and the way forward was established regarding the Marsalforn Road Gozo project.
Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri said that despite the Ministry having the necessary permits to begin work, it still continued to discuss and listen to stakeholders so that this project is carried out in the best interest of everyone with the least environmental impact. “While one understands the importance of this project so that the road is safer and of the highest standard, we could not ignore the environmental fact and in fact we also gave priority to this aspect.”
Minister Camilleri pointed out that throughout the discussions, priority was always given to both the environment and the safety of everyone who uses this main road. Minister Camilleri thanked Din l-Art Ħelwa who, hand in hand with the Ministry, understood and worked towards a final solution that finds a balance between rebuilding a main road that meets European standards but with full respect for the surrounding environment.
In this project, sections along Marsalforn Road will be transformed into soil-filled spaces and around 300 mature indigenous trees will be planted. This is in addition to the fact that 202 trees will be saved while another 86 will be relocated along the stretch of road.
In addition, the development application will also reduce the total area to be covered by the new road. The total area of the project will increase by 5,567 square metres. However, this includes 5,175 square metres of expropriated land, which was previously to be paved, and will now remain in its natural state. Only 393 square metres of existing agricultural land will be absorbed into the new road.
Minister Clint Camilleri concluded by saying that the Ministry has always been open to discussions which led to an agreement being reached so that this project will be carried out in the best interest of the people in terms of road safety and the natural environment.
Photo: MGP
