GozoNews.Com

A Call for Public Tenders issued recently by the Ministry for Gozo through the Department of Contracts invites private companies and other competent organisations to submit their proposals in order that studies for a Master Plan for the Gozo Citadel could be carried out. This Master Plan, co-financed through EEA Financial Mechanisms funds, will provide the basis for any future intervention relating to the conservation, preservation and management within the Citadel.

Following the official launch of the Master Plan in May of last year, the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, set up a working committee with representatives from various Ministries and other Government entities, for the terms of reference relative to this study to be drafted. During this period, various meetings were held with individuals and organisations having direct interest in the Citadel, in order to ensure constant consultation throughout the whole planning process and for their ideas to be included in the drafting of the terms of reference for this Master Plan.

The closing date for tenders to be submitted is the 28th of February 2008 after which, the successful bidder would be assigned the project. A consultation process with all stakeholders and the general public will be held along the course of the study.

A total of €300,00 (Lm129,000) has been allocated for this study which is to address aspects relating to archaeology, conservation, flora and fauna, geo-technical issues, the use of existent resources and the establishment of new ones, touristic facilities and better management of the site.