Lately, while in Gozo, the Prime Minister said that the Gozo ferryboats will soon be fixed or replaced. I cannot imagine any upgrading that is possible except that the remaining boat has a hoistable car deck. Therefore, these are all empty words.
The proposed Gozo tunnel is to be one lane in each direction, and we have already heard grumblings that this is not sufficient. It seems that if this tunnel is realised, we would be stuck with a one-tunnel lane each way for eternity, which is not nearly good enough. And I have not yet heard a credible explanation on how this tunnel can be feasible in the near future, when the geology between Malta and Gozo has not been studied enough; we do not have updated geological maps and there are active faults. This has been glossed over by the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure saying that our experts think otherwise. Moreover, nothing has been said about the impact on the Gozo network of roads. People who are hell bent on having a Gozo tunnel have tunnel vision and cannot see better alternatives. Those who represent Gozo on the various boards do not have the interest of Gozo at heart but of their monies and businesses.
I think that an underground metro system all over Malta and with a link to Gozo, as proposed by the PN is a better option for all of Malta. Building more roads will not make the traffic problem any better but an incentive for more cars on the roads. Gozitans working in Malta will have a fast comfortable method of transport to and from work. Gozo will still be protected from excessive cars coming to Gozo and it will remain an island.
In conjunction with this, introducing other companies to ferry people, goods and vehicles to and from Malta will increase efficiency, as competition did in other sectors. See what competition did to air travel and to supermarkets in Gozo. If one can find the funds to build a tunnel, how can one not find the money to improve the infrastructure in Mgarr Harbour, Gozo, for other several companies to work in parallel? And why not have other places in Malta where the ferryboats can dock like Valletta, the South of Malta, and so on?
What happened to air transport between Malta and Gozo, and why is a public swimming pool still virtual in Gozo?
I read what the Minister for Gozo writes in the papers, or what other people pen for her. I see these writings, which are all enthusiasm, progress and vision, more as dust blowing in the wind that hinders one from having a clear vision.
I know a parent who takes her autistic young man for swimming therapy to the South of Malta every week. Could we not provide better facilities in Gozo?
Joe Portelli
Nadur