Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi paid a visit to Gozo yesterday and visited a number of factories and other infrastructural work in connection with Worker’s Day.

The PM’s first visit was to Pamargan, a factory operating from the Xewkija Industrial Estate that manufactures hydraulic seals. In 10 years, it has expanded its operations from five to 125 workers and is expected to add 100 more in the next two-and-a-half years, with an investment of Lm500,000.

Dr Gonzi also inspected work on the road between Rabat and San Lawrenz that is being funded by the EU, and an agro-tourism project in Marsalforn.

For the duration of his visit, the Prime Minister was accompanied by Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono and Gozitan MP Frederick Azzopardi.

The Prime Minister said that the government is conscious of the challenges faced by Gozo, which is, nevertheless, attracting investment. He said that the government has faith in the Gozitan workers who are demonstrating their capabilities and also showing innovation, in line with government plans.

Pamargan is currently generating Lm1.5 million a year in turnover, which is expected to grow to Lm3 million in the coming five years. The agro-tourism complex in Marsalforn is spread over 180 tumoli of land and has received funding from the EU.

The Rabat to San Lawrenz road is 3.4 kilometres long and its eventual reconstruction will cost e4 million, 75 per cent of which will come out of EU funds.