Borg pledges new Gozo hospital, better connectivity, saying island 'must not remain an afterthought'
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg on Saturday outlined an extensive package of proposals for Gozo centred on long-term investment in healthcare, improved transport links and a broader vision to reposition the island as an integral part of national development rather than a peripheral region.
Addressing a press conference, Borg argued that Gozo has suffered from years of unfulfilled promises, particularly in the health sector, and said the PN intends to reverse what he described as sustained neglect. He pointed to the stalled plans linked to the Vitals Global Healthcare deal as emblematic of the failure to deliver meaningful investment in the island’s hospital infrastructure.
At the core of the PN’s health proposals is the construction of a new, fully-fledged hospital in Gozo, designed to provide comprehensive services on the island itself. Borg said the project would involve an investment of €350 million and include around 400 beds, as well as a helipad to ensure rapid medical access when needed. The aim, he said, is to guarantee peace of mind for Gozitan residents by ensuring that essential care is available without the need to travel to Malta.
Complementing this plan is a proposal to extend primary healthcare services through a 24-hour health centre in Victoria, intended to improve accessibility and reduce pressure on hospital services. Borg framed these measures as part of a wider effort to create an integrated healthcare system for Gozo, one that addresses long-standing gaps and delivers continuity of care.
The PN leader placed these health initiatives within a broader framework of structural reform. He argued that Gozo requires a more autonomous governance model, including formal recognition as a region within the Maltese Constitution. Such a change, he said, would empower Gozitans to take decisions more directly affecting their lives and allow the island to access European funds independently, rather than relying solely on central government structures.
“Gozo should not be an afterthought,” Borg said, insisting that the island must be treated as an integral part of the country’s development. He described a vision in which Gozo becomes a region capable of attracting investment, creating new opportunities and contributing more robustly to the national economy.
Transport and connectivity featured prominently in the proposals, with Borg stressing that improved links are essential to achieving this transformation. He noted that while past Nationalist administrations had invested in port infrastructure and new vessels, current facilities at Mġarr and Ċirkewwa are no longer adequate to meet demand.
Among the measures announced is the expansion of Mġarr harbour, including additional facilities, improved access roads and a dedicated parking area aimed at reducing congestion. Borg described the current situation at the port as chaotic, arguing that inefficiencies are undermining both economic activity and daily life for commuters. There will also be investment to improve facilities at Cirkewwa, particularly the south quay.
Borg promised a Nationalist government would introduce two new vessels – one for passengers and another for cargo. The passenger vessel is expected to be operational by 2029. Borg also criticised the accessibility limitations of the vessel MV Nikolaus, stating that it lacks essential features such as a lift, and pledged its eventual replacement.
The PN is also proposing changes to maritime operations, including a more structured cargo schedule and an extension of services reaching Grand Harbour and the Freeport. Fast ferry services would be expanded, with more frequent trips during peak hours and longer operating hours to accommodate workers, students and large-scale events.
On land, Borg emphasised the need for a more efficient public transport system in Gozo, better integrated with ferry schedules and key services such as the hospital. Road infrastructure is also set to feature prominently, with plans for upgrades across 150 kilometres of roads, guided in part by consultations with local councils.
Beyond transport and healthcare, the PN leader outlined initiatives targeting economic and social development. These include a long-promised breakwater in Marsalforn, which Borg said is essential for protecting the bay during winter and enabling local businesses to grow. He criticised the current administration for failing to deliver on the project.
Students from Gozo studying in Malta would see their monthly grant increased to €400, while €2 million would be allocated to youth centres on the island to expand recreational opportunities.
Borg also addressed challenges faced by persons with disabilities, noting that insularity often leads to double disadvantages. Plans include an €8 million investment in facilities such as an extension of the Sannat school and the development of a hydrotherapy pool.
Overall, Borg said the PN’s proposals – drawn from a wider set of 110 measures for Gozo – are intended to inject new life into the island through coordinated investment in infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare and community services. The objective, he concluded, is to ensure that Gozo is no longer treated as secondary, but as a fully integrated and dynamic region within Malta’s national framework.
RSS Feed Source: Independent Malta Borg pledges new Gozo hospital, better connectivity, saying island 'must not remain an afterthought'