Eco-Gozo policy document not yet presented to parliament

Labour MP Leo Brincat, who has repeatedly asked for the publishing of the document, has said that Debono never denied claims that the delay is due to "political decisions coming from orders from above".

"Despite repeated calls from the Opposition to publish the document, the Minister has failed to do so as yet, always insisting that 'it will soon be published'. Whenever asked if this delay followed orders from above, Debono never denied it," Brincat said.

He added that one of the reasons might be that the work carried out so far may vary from what was originally stipulated in the document.

Brincat also said that given the vague reply on the timeframe - which could mean anytime from tomorrow till the end of they year - he insisted in the parliament committee for Environment and Development Planning that the committee should press upon her to publish at the earliest.

"Something, to which committee chairman Jesmond Mugliett also agreed upon," Brincat said.

However, when contacted by MaltaToday, the Gozo Minister's spokesperson denied that the delay in the publishing of the Eco Gozo document was based on any political decision whatsoever.

"The Ministry for Gozo is currently updating this comprehensive document in order that it may be published within the least possible time," the spokesperson said.

The ministry went on to refer to the document presented by Debono during the Budget debate for 2010.  

"The document - 'Eco Gozo - A better Gozo action plan 2010-2012' - incorporates between 80 measures and initiatives that were suggested in the policy document," the spokesperson said.

During the presentation of the action plan in 2009, Debono had said that Eco Gozo vision document would "be published shortly".

Two years ago, replying to a parliamentary question raised by shadow minister Anton Refalo, Debono said the vision document was at a "working draft stage".

Debono's spokesperson said that the comprehensive document was compiled as a result of a widespread consultation process that enabled the Ministry for Gozo to formulate the sho um to longer term action plans to be drawn up," the spokesperson added.

What is Eco Gozo?

According to government, Eco Gozo is an initiative through which Gozo will be transformed into an 'ecological island' by 2020.

Its aim is to improve education, economic development and social progress, while reducing carbon and water footprints.

Government funds under the Eco Gozo banner go towards four main priority areas: the economy, the environment, society and identity and culture. The sectors benefiting of the funds include tourism, transport, energy, agriculture, water, waste, natural heritage, education, health, sport, cultural heritage and voluntary sectors.

When it was launched in the Budget speech for 2010, Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said that €25 million were being allocated for the following three years.

But so far, the actual expenditure for 2010 was €1,441,723, the approved estimate for 2011 was €6,000,000 while the estimated allocated budget for this year stands at €4 million. According to the finance minister, the remaining difference will be allocated during 2013.