I refer to the call by Parliamentary Secretary Dr Chris Said on the government to immediately study his proposal for an underwater tunnel between Malta and Gozo, which he estimates would cost about €150 million as reported on 31 January 2011.

At the low price quoted by Dr Chris Said, the government should even take two. It suffices to note that Ireland has paid over €500 million for a similar project completed in 2006, with the only difference being that the Irish project was not underwater. The two cutting machines needed for the tunnels cost €27 million each. The €150 million cited by Dr Said are hardly enough to cover the costs of the machinery involved, the preliminary studies and some of the ancillary works for a project of this dimension.

It will cost much, much more than €150 million, so that the amount paid in interest on the money the government would have to borrow, if it were diverted to Gozo Channel as subsidies, would guarantee free crossings for everyone including cars.

Agnes Debono

Kercem