Much has been written, and much more has been said, in relation to Gozo and accessibility. What does it really mean? The first thing that comes to mind is a bridge, tunnel or helicopter. However, it means more than that.
Being accessible has different meanings: it can mean the capacity to be reached; something that can be easily obtained; someone who is easy to talk to and get along with, someone friendly; and something that is easily understood.
The capacity to be reached is perhaps the meaning we are more familiar with. The ability to be able to get to a place by any means possible. From a Gozitan perspective, it generally means getting to and from Gozo. At present, we have three ferries and other minor sea vessels or seafaring means. However, there is widespread acceptance that this needs to be further improved and one of the options on the table is the introduction of a fast ferry which will not take the individual only to Cirkewwa, where another means of transport is needed to get to one’s destination, but closer to the target by being able to dock nearer to Valletta.
Such a means of transport would be a cleaner way in comparison with the number of buses, minibuses and private vehicles needed to carry a number of persons from Cirkewwa to Valletta or vice versa. This would also indicate a modal shift which is more environmentally friendly. Such a service is also easier to deliver in a shorter period of time, although there are also bureaucratic and technical issues that need to be overcome. So the fast ferry is one way on how to make Gozo more accessible. Will this solve the accessibility issue in the long term? Probably not and Gozo deserves a more long-term solution.
There is also another dimension to the concept of accessibility which unfortunately tends to be ignored. Being accessible also implies not being cut off from the digital highway. The internet has become so essential to social life, work, and entertainment that when our modems are not working, it seems our life has suddenly become very different, something from the past. But imagine if you have a business relying on the internet and this fails, losing you money in the process, with your employees idle wasting time and resources. This is the problem with Gozo and its single internet cable. It acts as a massive disincentive to any prospective investor who is considering transferring his IT related business to Gozo. Only the most dedicated and committed are ready to take up this challenge. Therefore, to be accessible Gozo needs a second fibre-optic cable. This is an essential infrastructure which would encourage more investment in Gozo and thus more of Gozo’s graduates to remain on the island. Their loss in the past decades has been detrimental to Gozo’s economic development, leaving the island to rely too heavily on tourism and services for the local market. Jobs in the IT industry offer more high value added jobs and can create a cadre of expertise in the area. Unfortunately, the previous administration was passive on this issue too and, just like many other things, it is up to us to provide a way forward.
Being accessible means that Gozo will be able to attract investment which creates clean and well-paid jobs for the brain power Gozo produces and has produced over the past years. Being accessible is also making sure that ways are devised to mitigate traffic congestion, ease bottlenecks and reduce polluting factors. Being accessible implies that public spaces remain public and for the enjoyment of everyone.
In other ways Gozo is very accessible, the people are friendly and easy to get along with. The improvement in the road network and the facelift the island is getting in that respect, although creating inconveniences in the short term will definitely make Gozo’s towns and villages more accessible. The signage is often considered more helpful and clear than that of the mainland. The improvement in walking tracks and the upkeep of valleys has presented more accessible choices for Gozitans and visitors. The renovated Cittadella has become more accessible since several places have become open to the public while the introduction of lifts has made it more possible for the disabled and people with prams to reach the higher levels with less exertion.
Accessibility removes discrimination and offers everyone the same opportunity.
Therefore the improvement in both digital and physical accessibility is righting the discrimination that the stretch of sea water between Malta and Gozo presents. It is giving those living in Gozo and those living in Malta the same opportunity. The Ministry for Gozo is working on these two projects of the fast ferry and the second fibre optic cable and hopefully will soon see them brought to fruition for the benefit of Gozo and its economic development.
Dr Refalo is Minister for Gozo