PD will launch its policy for Gozo in the coming days, it said in a statement, while insisting that Gozo's insularity needs to be tackled with a completely different approach to that presently promoted by government.

Recent public statements indicate that the Gozo Tunnel, as currently proposed, is a done deal, PD said. "The total lack of a public participation process is incredible considering that this is a major project with far reaching effect on Gozo's life fabric. The island's environment, way of life, physical capital and social milieu will be forever changed and for the worse," said MEP candidate Camilla Appelgren.

PD stands for a structured plan that, through positive discrimination proposals, leads towards a level playing field for Gozitans and brings real meaning to its Poplu Wieħed (One People) call, the statement read. The issue of connectivity does not need a permanent link to be solved. "Decision makers need to think out of the box," said MEP candidate Martin Cauchi Inglott, "and PD will soon be launching a series of proposals on how Gozitans can get better access to opportunities and better connectivity."

Whilst acknowledging that government has an electoral mandate for a permanent link, it needs to be ensured that all the necessary studies on the environmental impact and on the technological issues are carried out and presented for public consultation, PD said.

PD asks whether government has considered other technologies besides seabed tunnelling, which do not impact so negatively on the environment. PD questions the decision why the tunnel being proposed is earmarked for car use rather than some form of mass transportation which could eventually be integrated into a broader network in Malta as well.

"The feeling that such major projects are being presented to the people when all major decisions have been taken generates a sense of resignation, which needs to be resisted. We cannot allow such projects to be presented as a fait accompli," said MEP candidate Anthony Buttigieg. 

Tunnel will bring more destruction and increase pollution - AD

While keeping in focus the need to address and facilitate sustainable mobility between the islands of Malta and Gozo, the proposed tunnel below the seabed between the islands is no solution, Alternattiva Demokratika said in a statement. "It is rather the creation of more problems both at Ta' Kenuna on the Gozo side, as well at L-Għerien on the Maltese side. "

Carmel Cacopardo, Chairperson of  Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party addressed a press conference at l-Għerien, in the limits of Mellieħa, where according to what is known to date the entrance to the tunnel will be sited at the Malta end: very close to l-Imbordin in St. Paul's Bay.

In addition to the large quantity of rubble - approximately one and a half million cubic metres - on the Malta side, the tunnel will be a threat to the Miżieb aquifer, the only section of our natural water reserves still in a relatively good condition, he said.

"It will impact the Pwales valley as this will have to host an average of around 9,000 vehicle movements daily . The pollution generated by these vehicles will undoubtedly impact the agriculture and ecology of the valley.  As a result of noise pollution, light pollution and air pollution by the generated traffic the tunnel will impact the Simar Nature Reserve, situated a few hundred metres from the proposed tunnel, at the far end of the valley. "

"It has been observed, from technical studies in hand as well as from sampling of rock in the area, that the tunnel will be bored through the troglodytic hamlet (L-Għerien) or very close to it such that another part of our heritage will be obliterated."

The projected tunnel will facilitate the movement of cars between the islands as it is the number of cars using the tunnel which will generate the income of those investing in this ill-advised project, he said. "This runs against both letter and spirit of the National Transport Masterplan 2025 approved in 2016 and which establishes the reduction of cars on our roads as a primary objective."

Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party agrees that the problematic mobility between Malta and Gozo  has to be properly addressed. "However, this has to be carried out in a manner that creates the least number of problems.  The only solution which achieves this aim is the introduction of a fast ferry service between the islands: between the Mgarr port in Gozo and various points along the Malta coast, amongst which are Xemxija, Sliema and Valletta. This service must be complimented with an upgraded public transport between these points and the rest of the island."

It is essential, concluded Carmel Cacopardo, that solutions to our transport problems take a long-term view in order that future generations are bequeathed less problems that we have inherited from our predecessors Government should take note and desist from ignoring the dissent on its tunnel plans.

During the press conference another two local council candidates on behalf of Alternattiva Demokratika were introduced :  Luke Caruana  for Mellieħa and  Simon Galea for St. Paul's Bay.