The Nationalist Party has issued a statement stating that in the presentation of their 2022 Budget, the government has forgotten all about Malta’s sister island, Gozo. The statement by the Opposition Party begins by saying that the Minister for Gozo held a conference about the 2022 budget and Gozo’s place in it, but this was to cover for the fact that for the first time in Maltese political history, Gozo was not addressed in any part of the budget. This shows how the Labour government and the Finance minister, according to the Opposition, perceive Gozo.
The party claims that, despite Minister Camilleri proudly announcing the capital vote for Gozo, he failed to state how Gozo will be receiving only 2.8% of capital spending. This is ridiculous says the Opposition, especially when one considers that Gozo’s input to most of Maltese life.
The statement continues to point out how the Labour Party promised Gozitans employment in Gozo. This was not carried out as the contrary seems to be evident, with the number of Gozitan workers now three times higher than that of 2013. This confirms for the Opposition Party that for a resident of Gozo to benefit from decent work conditions, they must find employment in Malta.
The lack of projects for Gozo was also flagged by the party, with the budget only highlighting long-promised projects which have not yet received implementation. Of these promised projects are a Heliport investment, the completion of the Hondoq reverse osmosis, the inclusion of a Victoria primary school and the restoration of the aqueduct. Gozo will also not be getting a fourth, adequate ferry, despite the government paying €10 million over two years to rent out an old one.
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Photo Source: Hotels.com, Bernard Grech FB, Clyde Caruana FB
