The idea to have a permanent link between Malta and Gozo is back in the news.

It was Gozo Minister Anton Refalo who first brought the subject up on Thursday when he hinted that a referendum could be held in Gozo to see what the islanders think about the proposal.

Then, a day later, the government signed an agreement with a state-owned Chinese company which will pay €4 million for a feasibility study on the project.

There has been criticism on the suggestion made by the minister to restrict the referendum to just Gozitans – and, frankly, this criticism is well-placed. The project will not only affect Gozitans, but the whole of Malta. After all, if the permanent link will eventually be constructed, it is all the taxpayers who will be paying the bill, or at least part of it if the European Union offers its financial assistance, not just the Gozitans.

With regard to the agreement signed with the China Communications Construction Corporation, the fact that the Maltese government said that the study will be paid for in full by the Chinese company has raised suspicions that China is expecting something in return for its work here. We wait for further developments.

What is sure is that we will know more in 16 months’ time when the feasibility study is concluded and, presumably, the results will be made public.

While it has been argued that a permanent link will do wonders to make Gozo more accessible, improve its economy and make it so much easier for Gozitans to travel to Malta, particularly for work purposes, the detractors are saying that a permanent link would kill Gozo’s uniqueness. The same accessibility that will help Gozitans cross over without having to suffer the consequences of rough seas will make it much easier for Maltese – and tourists – to visit Gozo with the possibility that overcrowding – and this includes traffic problems – will dent the island’s beauty.

No doubt, the debate will continue right until a decision is taken, and afterwards too.