In his vlog MEP Francis Zammit Dimech speaks about the connectivity challenges faced by Gozo. He said that whereas the government promised a fourth ro-ro passenger car ferry a year ago, and a fast ferry service, the government failed to introduce such measures. On the other hand it went out of its way to remove the cargo ferry. In addition, the initiative introduced by a PN administration to spend at least 10% of EU funding in Gozo had been abandoned.
Zammit Dimech recalled how PN administrations took various measures. As Minister he had set up the Malta International Airport company, saw to the cruise liner terminal project and introduced low cost airlines, all measures that improved our connectivity as an archipelago. Even in the case of Gozo, PN administrations had built three ferry boats and upgraded one to a double decker to facilitate the crossings between the two islands. Zammit Dimech said that the digital telephony system he had introduced in the Maltese islands was first introduced in Gozo. This too improved the connectivity of the island.
Zammit Dimech said that PN wants Gozo to be a priority. He said that PN wants not only a fourth ferry but also a fifth ferry to plan ahead for the ever increasing number of crossings. The government must also invest in education and open a new primary school in Rabat. Furthermore, the privatisation of the hospital in Gozo should be reversed. PN is also insisting that Gozo needs a regional council for Gozitans to take their own decisions, and not merely an authority controlled by the minister. Zammit Dimech said that Gozo was always a priority for the PN and that this will not change as the opening of the PN General Council taking place in Gozo confirms.