Transport Malta has issued a tender to gather geological data on the sub-surface of the Malta-Gozo Channel.
The winning contractor will conduct geotechnical investigations at various locations on land and in the channel, with drilling expected to reach approximately 200m below sea bed level in some areas, it said.
The extracted core samples will aid in establishing the geological formations of the area, which will eventually determine the feasibility of constructing a tunnel.
The investigations forming part of this tender are part of wider studies being commissioned in order to gather information on the sub-surface conditions of the proposed tunnel route between Malta and Gozo and ultimately establish a geological model of the area under investigation. The model will in turn form the basis for the Conceptual Design of the tunnel.
"The Government of Malta has embarked on a long term strategy to address problems Gozitan commuters face everyday. Between the year 2000 and 2010, the number of vehicles crossing increased by 4.1% each year. In 2010 an average of 1,500 vehicles crossed each day in each direction. Last year, according to the NSO, a total of 1,348,502 vehicles made the crossing; reflecting an increase of 23% over the 2010 traffic. The study is a major milestone in the process to eventually establish a fixed link between Malta and Gozo," Transport Malta said.
PN,PL, Front Favur il-Mina react
In a statement the Nationalist Party said the study came three and a half years too late because the Prime Minister had stopped a process that had started by the previous administration.
It said Joseph Muscat and Transport Minister Joe Mizzi were not only responsible for everyday traffic but are themselves stuck in traffic. Dr Muscat and Mr Mizzi were only coming round after Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil started outlining his vision, the PN said.
Dr Busuttil spoke about his vision for an alternative transport system, including a train system, during the Independence Day activities. The PN said the PM and the Transport Minister have now been caught up in a ‘great panic’ and want to give the impression that they are doing something about the traffic situation. It said that although it welcomed any proposal these are just kneejerk reactions from the government.
In reply the Labour Party said it was Simon Busuttil who was copying the government’s work after learning what its proposals were. “The PL in government is doing what successive PN governments failed to do for 25 years.”
Unfortunately for the Opposition Leader the people know that on one side there is Busuttil who is all talk and on the other a government that acts.” People do not want Simon Busuttil’s “empty talk,” the PL said.
The Front Favur il-Mina (Front in favour of the tunnel) said the tender issue would kick-start a process that will improve access between the two islands.
“The need for serious and detailed studies in a stipulated timeframe was also highlighted during a national conference held earlier this year.”
The front said it would in the meantime keep working for improved accessibility between Malta and Gozo, including with the introduction of a fast ferry.
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