I sometimes talk to expats living in Gozo and they tell me that every small bloody island north of Scotland has a small airstrip which can accommodate small fixed-winged aircraft. It would be be hugely beneficial if we had something like it in Gozo and it is not true that it would encroach on the natural environment. If the existing heliport was extended onto where there is lot of construction waste and debris, the airstrip would be sufficient. People could land their small planes and both tourists and Gozo residents would benefit hugely from being thus ferried between the islands.
The ferry by sea between the islands should be liberalised. Just as liberalisation benefited the residents of Gozo when Lidl opened in Gozo, so the Gozo Channel monopoly is stifling the island - although the Company is doing its best.
Imagine if Virtu Ferries could ferry people and cargo to Valletta. Imagine if a small private company can offer a fast ferry to the Three Cities. These would also benefit The Gozo Channel Company because it would relieve it of some of its load.
Obviously, the facilities in Mġarr, Gozo, would have to be changed and upgraded so it could handle the liberalisation, but if hundreds - if not billions - of euro can be found for a tunnel, how can the Government not find the money to invest in these facilties in Mġarr Gozo and Malta?
I think that the permanent link between Malta and Gozo will be detrimental to Gozo if people can come through it with their private cars. A metro under the whole of Malta and connecting to Gozo is the best idea and, as a country, we should start planning in the long-term: this underground train would compete with the use of private cars.
Then, if it comes to a permanent link to Gozo that carries private cars, then a two-lane each way is needed with an additional safety lane. All the tunnels I use in Malta are two lanes in each direction. With a single lane each way, the travel time through the tunnel will be half an hour.
I do not agree with this kind of permanent link because the geographical barrier making Gozo what it is will be lost for ever. I do not agree with this babbling of politicians because important experts talked about active faults and the lack of a complete geological survey. The cost will run into billions - money that could be better spent on enhancing the transport facilities and making Gozo a high-quality destination, thus creating the environment for high-quality jobs.
Joe Portelli
Nadur