Gozo government farm to become research centre

The Ministry for Gozo and the University of Malta are drawing up a plan to transform the government farm at Xewkija into a research and development centre for agriculture, Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono said today.

Speaking at a press conference during which she reviewed the work of her ministry over the past two years, the minister also said that a preliminary study has been made to identify energy recovery systems which could be used in Gozo. Talks are also being held with overseas firms which are interested in investing in this sector.

Mrs Debono said that photovoltaic units would be installed on the roofs of schools and other public buildings in Gozo.

An afforestation programme would be launched to stop soil erosion while more valleys would be cleaned and rehabilitated for water storage.

The minister said preparatory work had been made on the building of a pool and other sports facilities in Gozo.

In her press conference the minister spoke on road works currently in hand, particularly the road to Ta' Pinu and also the restoration of the bastions around the Citadel.