Government invests €500,000 in the restoration of Xewkija Windmill

The government has inaugurated a €500,000 investment for the restoration of the Xewkija Windmill which is now open to the public, a substantial part of which came from EU funds.

Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, inaugurated the restoration works carried out on Xewkija Windmill which include extensive restoration of the mill from both the inside and the outside.

The Minister for Gozo said that, “important projects are not only those of road infrastructure but also those through which we restore and take care of our cultural heritage as it is what our forefathers have left for us and what makes us who we are today”.

In addition to the restoration works, new sanitary facilities were built inside the mill, the electricity, water and engineering systems were added using existing wires and suitable tools to carry out this work without damaging the structure of the mill.

With the help of Heritage Malta and other professionals, relics associated to this mill have also been placed around the mill, including a compass and other small accessories. All the machinery was also reworked as the original one had been burned down in the 1920s. Additionally, they added milling stones and new apertures that match the original one according to its era.

Camilleri explained that, “the mill will also be used as a hub for folk activities such as folk dance and activities, as well as educational talks about both the mill and its interesting history, reflecting on how our fathers used to live and the stories that

Gozitans hold so dear to their hearts.”

Parliamentary Secretary Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that the restoration of this mill, through European funds, will further strengthen Gozitan cultural heritage so that previous generations can appreciate the heritage that was left for us.

He explained that this site will also be a tourist and cultural attraction as the mill is a living proof of how the Gozitans lived in the 1700.

“This is another opportunity to further strengthen the tourist sector on the Gozitan island. In the coming days, Gozo will continue to benefit from more investment thanks to European funds.”

The work on the mill has been praised and recognised by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, can now be enjoyed by visitors free of charge.