Gozo – a priority for this government

“Budget 2021 presented a series of measures to improve connectivity between Malta and Gozo. This Government is committed to deliver the promise with regards to the Malta-Gozo tunnel project.”

Budget 2021, themed “Maltin b’Saħħitna ’l Quddiem”, is the best budget ever presented in the history of our country, and even in the midst of a pandemic this Government has not withdrawn any benefit from the last seven years, but has continued increase the benefits. This is a Government led by a Prime Minister who has a vision for our country and who has clear goals for Gozo and Malta. Gozo has been, still is and will remain a priority for this Government. In Gozo, the difference that Robert Abela’s

Government is bringing has never been felt as much as today. In this Budget Gozo has benefited from an increase of €3 million, a record € 22 million for capital investment in this island. We are proud Gozitans and Maltese. We are moving forward because this Government is working to create jobs in Gozo for Gozitans, by:

• Attracting new companies;

• Investing more in industrial infrastructure;

• Providing a series of incentives.

In fact in this newly presented budget there is a series of ongoing schemes such as the Employment Refund Scheme, the Teleworking Scheme, and the MICE schemes. We will also continue to strengthen the Back Office Employment Refund Scheme and promotional support schemes for Gozitan enterprises operating especially in the digital innovation, internet technology and tourism sector. We are creating more incentives for job creation in Gozo through for instance the introduction of the second fiber optic cable and the Xewkija Innovation Hub. For the Labour Government businesses, workers and families are a priority.

Budget 2021 presented a series of measures to improve connectivity between Malta and Gozo. This Government is committed to deliver the promise with regards to the Malta-Gozo tunnel project. Now is time for the bidders for the design, building, financing, operation and maintenance of the tunnel to be chosen. This tunnel will offer many advantages for Gozitans who cross the channel every day for work. In the meantime, we have added a fourth ferry and will now introduce this service on a permanent basis. We will also carry out the fast ferry connection project between

Gozo and Valletta in the Grand Harbor. This should be a way for people to travel in less than 45 minutes and should provide more comfort particularly for those Gozitans who travel frequently and work in the vicinity of the Capital City while it should also significantly reduce traffic. In addition, we will continue the X300 line service, for Gozitan students and workers, which connects the Terminal in Ċirkewwa with the University and Mater Dei

Hospital, G.F. Abela Junior

College and Valletta. Through the X300 we are solving, short term, part of the connectivity problem of Gozitans.

This Government has delivered a lot in a short time, but still much remains to be done. The 2021 Budget is a testament to the fact that infrastructure and reconstruction around Gozo will remain a priority for this Government. We have completed St. Francis Square project, the Xlendi Dry Standing Regeneration project, il-Menqa in Marsalforn, Żewwieqa Road, 70% of Sant’Antnin Road and invested millions of euros to complete several roads around Gozo. Work will continue on the construction of the Gozo Aquatic Center - a € 10 million project, on the Gozo Museum - a €9 million project, Imġarr Road, Nadur - an € 8 million project million, Marsalforn Masterplan - a €3 million project, Sant’Antnin Road in Għajnsielem - a €2 million project, and the necessary studies will be carried out to eventually implement the Underwater Cultural Museum.

In addition to the incentives that this Government is giving to Gozitan students following courses in Malta, it will also implement the accommodation project in Villa Lauri, Birkirkara. Our elderly are also a priority and therefore works will continue on St Joseph Home for the Elderly in Għajnsielem to provide the best residential services for the elderly in Gozo.

These are just a few 2021 Budget measures for Gozo. Projects and infrastructure improvements will continue. We are committed to deliver, to improve the livelihoods of the Gozitan and Maltese people who know that the Prime Minister and the Government are able to make decisions leading to the strengthening of businesses and improvement in the quality of life of pensioners and families. And there goes the theme of this Budget ... “Maltin, B’saħħitna ’l Quddiem”.