A recent government announcement stated that an undersea tunnel is being studied and its route will most likely start at Manikata and end somewhere in Nadur Gozo - a stretch of 13 kilometres with a 70 metre radius. This is quite a behemoth. Imagine the endless tonnage of debris (mostly lower globigerina limestone) which will have to be properly disposed of. It cannot be dispersed on the seabed as it will ruin our bathing water for four long years.
Ideally, the boring of the rock face can be timed to coincide with the start of another project linked to major land reclamation. There have been many suggestions on the best site for land reclamation which was a popular topic after the 2013 election but since then it seems to have petered out. One location which has been studied and considered feasible by MEPA is Qalet Marku. The sea is relatively shallow there. Imagine if we can build an island linked by a steel bridge to the mainland with the added advantage of being near the Maghtab landfill. This parcel of reclaimed land will, after careful landscaping, become an ideal site to house the refuse incinerator. And, possibly, relocate the Sant' Antnin refuse and recycling plant - currently an eyesore in Marsascala - there.
The administration of the tunnel project has officially appointed Norwegian experts SINTEF which has many years' experience. It is envisaged that drivers who use the tunnel will pay a toll similar to the rate currently charged by Gozo Channel. Italian drilling experts, Geotech SPA were tasked to collect rock samples, with University of Malta researchers working in tandem with OGS Trieste to carry out seismic investigations of the area. If project management works perfectly, it will take around three years to excavate the tunnel and be functional by 2024, which will have a daily traffic capacity of 6,500 vehicles. University experts are working to build a full geological study of the proposed site.
This idea of an underground tunnel started making the rounds in the early sixties but now we seem to be somewhat closer to seeing this idea take root, as a number of foreign governments and international experts have shown interest in entering a Private Public Partnership not dissimilar to the one the government had signed with Vitals/Stewards group. Although over 80 per cent of Gozitans are in favour, there are major concerns about the environmental impact and the need to upgrade the road infrastructure in Gozo. Tunnel adherents find the project doable since over five million commute on an annual basis to Gozo using the monopoly state service serviced by three ageing boats. There is speculation that the cost of excavating and laying the road infrastructure is expected to reach between €156 million and €500 million (obviously this will generate a lot of construction/logistical jobs).
Recently, a news item in the media said that Dr Cordina (an economist) had concluded his study and he calculated that the tunnel would be viable if a €10 fare is charged in each direction. This means that investors would cover their investment and make a profit. The final cost will be about one fourth of building Mater Dei hospital (which took 17 years) and needs just under €2 million per year in running expenditure. A previous study was undertaken by specialists Mott Macdonald appointed by Transport Malta which proposed four potential links: three bored beneath the seabed and passing under Comino and another, an immersed tube tunnel, lying on it. The study revealed that barring mishaps it will take a period of seven years to complete.
For the about three thousand daily commuters who travel daily to Malta for work or study, the solution of a faster link will be a godsend. Surely a tunnel is a long-term investment in the road infrastructure which reflects permanent improvement and, if well managed, can help reduce the double insularity of the sister island. The business community lament that the type of tourists that visit Gozo are day-trippers who cannot sustain the critical mass necessary to support a thriving hospitality industry. This means that hotels and restaurants in Gozo cannot achieve the level of sustainability and occupancy levels enjoyed in Malta. Even though most community services such as police, health and education are present in both islands, during inclement weather Gozo inhabitants remain cocooned. They say comparisons can be odious but one feels obliged to compare Gozo and Gibraltar. Gibraltar dwellers enjoy easy access to the mainland and this leads to a higher income per capita. This is partly due to improved connections which have contributed to a buoyant financial services industry. Gibraltar has a fully-fledged airport with a runway jutting on reclaimed land. The tourist industry is galloping at full speed, with travellers regularly crossing from neighbouring Spain, others arriving on cruise liners, and by air from Europe.
Sociologist Marvin Formosa, who recently carried out a social impact assessment, asserts that better connectivity will partially alleviate the social problems of Gozo with its ageing population and an economy highly dependent on tourism. Recent studies reveal that Gozo needs about 1,400 jobs to keep up with Malta's economic development. It results from the study that 3,100 Gozitans work or study in Malta so the tunnel will be a relative huge investment considering the minor number who cross daily; yet one needs to see the bigger picture. Dr Cordina predicts that over a 20-year span the tunnel project would reduce the disparity in the two islands' economy. Naturally, this will also lead to better use of scarce resources. It is also expected to boost the national economy by more than €6 million.
Studies highlight the disparity in productivity between the two islands. While Gozo has seven per cent of the total population, its contribution to the GDP is only five per cent. Could this disparity be levelled off once connectivity is improved? Fortunately there is interest from the private sector to engage in this venture as stated by the prime minister who revealed that the Italian, Spanish, Turkish and Chinese governments - all of which "have specialised companies" that can take on the project - had already been in contact with the government. Will the prime minister approve this project to cement his legacy to the nation before he retires from politics at the end of this legislature?
Mr Mangion is a senior partner of PKF, an audit and consultancy firm and can be contacted at [email protected] or on +356 21493041