Minister Galea was reacting to comments made by MLP Deputy Leader Charles Mangion on the subject at a press conference last Saturday. He pointed out that the launching of the project at Cirkewwa and Mgarr followed a process of consultation with stakeholders, the completion of related technical reports and the issue of permits by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

He said that the Lm8 million mentioned by Dr Mangion actually refers to the preliminary estimates issued in 1995. In August 2001, the finance ministry was informed that construction work on the site would cost around Lm13 million, excluding VAT and other expenses such as technical reports, permits and professional fees.

The difference between the 1995 and 2001 estimates is due to the larger capacity of the new Gozo Channel vessels, changes to the terminals’ designs and an extension of underground car parking facilities and a number of measures aimed at maritime environmental protection, as specified in the regulations issued by Mepa.

After consultation with those involved, the ministry prepared a report exploring the options available at this moment for the continuation of the work on the terminals. A decision is expected shortly.

Minister Galea said that the debris and dust found at the site was expected and the Maritime Authority was doing its best to limit inconvenience to the public. Regarding criticism that the work done so far had not improved the service offered by the ferry line, Mr Galea said that, on the contrary, the service had improved considerably and that the line could now work with two ferries simultaneously.

This means that the main objective of the projects – to ensure a continuous flow to and from Gozo – had been achieved, the statement concluded.