The Pro Gozo Tunnel Movement (‘Front Favur il-Mina’), comprising Maltese and Gozitan students, said today that there isn’t a need for a referendum over the proposed Gozo tunnel since the electorate has voted in favour of it already.
The movement, which was launched today, was referring to the fact that the major political parties had the permanent link included in their electoral manifesto before the last election.
Addressing a news conference near the Gozo Channel berth in Sa Maison, the group, which is apolitical, said that Gozo cannot continue to be seen as a place of recreation since families need to earn a living as well. They were referring to suggestions in the past days that Gozo will lose its uniqueness if a permanent link was built linking the two islands.
Two Gozitan MPs, PN MP Chris Said and PL MP Franco Mercieca, who were also present for the news conference, made it amply clear that they do not form part of the movement but are supporting its cause since they both believe Gozo’s uniqueness will in fact be lost if no permanent link is built between the two islands.
Mr Mercieca pointed out that if Gozo were to remain without a permanent link, Gozo will end up a place for the elderly since its youths will abandon the island to seek new pastures elsewhere.
Asked by The Malta Independent whether Gozo Channel’s workers may be concerned over the loss of their job in the event that the tunnel is built, Mr Mercieca replied that by the time the tunnel is built, many Gozo Channel workers would have reached retirement age but can also be utilised to help upkeep the tunnel.
He added that the role of the Gozo Channel won’t end but it will probably have to downsize.
Dr Said pointed out that a number of studies have shown that the tunnel is economically viable, including a pre-feasibility study prepared by Jespers.
The movement expressed concern over the weather conditions they face each time they cross from Gozo to Malta and the fact that they have to wake up very early to catch the ferry. They suggested that a fast ferry, coupled with a tunnel, will make Gozo more accessible.
The movement urged members of the public to join their cause.