A national swimming pool in Gozo?

The Hon. Clyde Puli, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport addresses a press conference organised by the Aquatic Sports Association.

As expected, the Aquatic Sports needs in Gozo were again dismissed - or else not reported through the government press statements.


I remember that when we proposed that the state should invest much more in Aquatic sports in Gozo -even more specifically a National Swimming Pool - the GonziPN also promised such an initiative during one of his pre-election meetings in Nadur.


I once wrote this in the press:

I would like to draw attention to the fact that part of the public coastal area near Otters Water Polo Club in Marsalforn was taken away from the public through a parliamentary deed in 2005. Now a pending application awaiting MEPA’s approval to “construct a sea water pool, for water polo and swimming purposes, pool to occupy part of existing Otters Club House and adjacent land, and replanning of part of existing ramp next to St Mary’s Street, Marsalforn” is being processed.

While I would like to point out that Alternattiva Demokratika has long been insisting that the government should invest in aquatic sports in Gozo, I question the need for this limited proposal. Why should the Otters Club have to undergo such hassle to get a semi-decent pool? Why should historic salt pans be threatened and why should the public give up yet another piece of coastline? All this for only a few months just in case of possibly jellyfish-infested waters.

Was a national swimming pool in Gozo not part of the Nationalist Party’s manifesto in 1991? We are still waiting 17 years later and the Labour Party ignores such a proposal even in its current plan for Gozo. Green Members of Parliament will urge cross party co-operation to safeguard the interests of all Gozitans and Gozo’s specific needs. We will get the government to invest in sports in Gozo rather than speculating on public land.

Two national swimming pools already exist in Malta; hence we believe that Gozitans deserve, by right, a national pool in Gozo. In its electoral manifesto for Gozo, Alternattiva Demokratika is proposing that a national heated pool to be used all year round and aquatic sports facility would form part of the existing sports complex in Victoria where adjacent land is available, or in other locations such as the abandoned Hondoq ir-Rummien distillation plant which could be rehabilitated and transformed into an indoor solar power heated pool for all citizens. EU funds could be tapped to subsidise a public aquatic sports facility for Gozo.

Given the socio-educational advantages of aquatic sports in Gozo, I sincerely hope that in the-not-too-distant future the sport finds itself on the national agenda and not used as a favourite subject for lip-servicing exercises that seem to have become something of a national pastime. Stop appropriating further public land and give Gozitans what is theirs by right. We are fed up of empty promises. Swim with AD and leave the old political system to sink.

Tghid tmissni x-xorti?

Ghaxar spazji ta’ inkubazzjoni ghad-dispozizzjoni ta’ artigjana f’Ghawdex. Tghid min ser tmissu x-xorti eh?

Skola Sport: Thumbs up to all the organisers

To end this year’s Skola Sport activities, on Saturday 24^th May Gozitan students who had participated in the various activities organised during this scholastic year took part in a progressive show at the Gozo Sports Complex in Victoria.

Schemes for the big and the small fish?

The Malta Enterprise in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo and the Gozo Business Chamber organised an information seminar in Gozo. This seminar primarily aimed to promote Gozo for industry especially that connected with the manufacturing and services sectors. It was also intentioned to increase awareness, amongst Gozitan industrialists and employers, on the various incentive schemes for industry administered by Malta Enterprise.

It is reported that the Minister for Gozo stressed the importance for Gozitan businessmen and entrepreneurs to become familiar with the many schemes launched by Government through Malta Enterprise in order to promote and facilitate industry.

The professional support and assistance given by Malta Enterprise is considered as an important added value to the various fiscal and non fiscal incentives one may benefit from these schemes. Minister Debono also remarked that some of these schemes would be co-funded through EU funds. Gozo will be benefiting through at least 10% of EU funds allocated to Malta for budgetary period 2008-2013.

I always wondered who those are really benefiting from such schemes. Is it a big or a small fish? I sometimes ask myself whether there is any exclusivity for that individual/s. Do I need a favour from somebody if I want to know more?

Are you from Birbuba or from Gharb?

Birbuba is in Gharb. Going to Birbuba, one finds himself in the most western part of the island of Gozo leading to the chapel of San Dimitri in the middle of the countryside. The site plan on the left gives an indication of the area. The areas in pink indicate planning or approved applications. The ones in dark red indicate the infringements (illegalities) going on and the big blue area indicates a controversial pending application specifically PA1484/08.

Until few years ago, this area was quite unspoiled. Recently some of the dilapitated farmhouses were restaured by foreign buyers. They did a good job. Anlong the years however, other appartments were built up. Some are still for sale - adding to the over 300 empty dwellings in the small village of Gharb.

Despite the fact that more than one in every three dwellings in Gozo is empty all year round and particularly so within in the village of Gharb, the Housing Authority is proposing to construct a further 34 units of mainly 3 bedroom properties in this village through planning application PA 1484/08 without the infra-structure to support it. There is poor vehicular access, and it is on a bus route. Besides, the current waste system cannot cope with the present amount of houses. To add insult to injury the Gharb Local Council featured this area as part of the heritage walk for the route to San Dimitri Chapel in the western part of the island.

In a press statement issued today, I said that “Such proposals go against with government policy of turning Gozo into an ecological island. It seems that after taking up the concept from Alternattiva Demokratika’s book, gonzipn did not know what it was copying.”

The Green Party’s spokesman on sustainable development Architect Carmel Cacopardo said: “The Housing Authority should back up its past pledge of using already available housing stock and negotiate to buy built-up property, rather than taking more arable land. It is about time that the Housing Authority, instead of being part of the problem starts being part of the solution. We sincerely hope that this application is withdrawn, and the Housing Authority starts thinking on incentives in order that more properties are placed on the rental market, as well as disincentives on keeping properties vacant and in a dilapidated state. If one looks at the thousands of derelict buildings as well as unfinished construction that has been left idle for years in the island of Gozo, one can conclude that the damage done is already severe.”

The photograph above illustrates the present view, which will disappear given that the plan states that there will be two storeys plus penthouse and underground parking. Interesting to note the the Gharb PN Deputy Mayor is already building his share. The DCC meeting no 8302207 held on 30 July 2007 Approved 6-0 To add condition that permit is issued saving third party rights. How pretty!

Gozo eco-island remains a GonziPN pipe dream

The Green MEP, Gisela Kallenbach confirmed that she will be visiting the island of Gozo on Thursday 5th June 2008. The aim is to have an opportunity to discuss Gozo as an eco-island as well as sharing good practices in EU countries in this regard.

Last Sunday the MaltaToday Journalist David Darmanin featured this title in the newspaper. When I read it, I was rather shocked. Click on the title then read along and discover why.

Gozo eco-island remains a GonziPN pipe dream

Going 'Green' ?

"One of the biggest challenges that we (WHO?), as relatively new European citizens, have for the future is to be able to increase our efficiency in energy consumption and production. This on one hand, means finding ways to be more efficient in utilising our present sources, and, on the other hand exploring more innovative and alternative energy sources."

Working night shifts

Many relatives and friends used to advice me about the coming nights.
"Once your baby will be born, your nights will be much disturbed". "No problem", I used to say.

Indeed, I woke early this morning, helped Miriam change the nappy and gave a warm bath and now mummy and baby are fast asleep.

I could not go straight to bed.

I decided to spend this night editing some video clips I took of our son and created a 'Family Galea youtube' to share the special moments of our new family with relatives, friends and those who care. Click here.

Good night

Victor