This week saw the start- up of another Front.  This time it is the Front Favur il-Mina which proposes to lobby for the three points on improving the connection between Gozo and Malta.

It is important that this debate does not get entangled in secondary issues such as whether or not a referendum should take place.  In this case, a referendum is not a priority since the previous government had already commenced feasibility studies and the current government also looked into the possibility of a bridge instead of a tunnel.  The point is that both administrations had the issue of connectivity for Gozo on the table.

Where the situation now changes is that the either/or position has resulted in a status quo, things are still the same with the Cirkewwa ferry being the only option to travel between the islands and the time needed to complete this journey has become much worse. 

It is a fact that Gozo is more than just a weekend and summer playground.  The student population has increased and also faces the inflationary costs for accommodation in Malta, should they base themselves there.   Conversely, if the students base themselves in Malta, the loss to public life and commercial and community activity around Gozo is diminished.  Gozo surely does not deserve to be allowed to lose its identity and economic vibrancy in this way. 

The Front Favur il-Mina may be better named to Front Favur Ghawdex or something like that, without focusing solely on the tunnel because the other two previous proposals that it includes are urgent and necessary and should have equal attention.  But it is clear that they have done their homework and feel the need to stress that the tunnel option should not be left to lie on the desk and that the geological surveys should begin urgently, along with reaching out to potential developers who would be able to realise this investment if the completed surveys are favourable. 

During this time, public opinion can be formed and the Front Favur il-Mina are also competent to debate the issue.   

But apart from the project, the service as it is now, with just the ferry to Gozo, is inadequate.  Crowding should also be evaluated on a health and safety basis before some disaster is allowed to happen.  Pollution levels around Cirkewwa should also be checked with the Gozo Channel being rich in marine life. 

With all the talk that was made about Gozo before the general elections, you would expect that by now the problem of connectivity would be sorted and dusted.  But it is far from so.  Does every project need to be first of interest to the pocket and political manouvers to get approval?  This is not the first Front which has been created in the last couple of years.  Whatever the topic, it seems that the need is felt to voice the opinions of the people because no one is listening.  Do we have to speak Chinese to get some action and results for the good of ordinary citizens?  Do we have to come with ribbons and bells and loads of photo opportunities with strangers gesticulating over a line up?  Will it only be important enough as long as it is a secret contract?

Basic needs do not make headlines.  They are boring to the administration who want to sound different and modern.  And how can we allow politics to decide which Investors get an ear and which do not?    Is it a case of first identifying the best party canvasser, setting up the requirements to be tailor-made to them and awarding the contract in advance of the calls for tender?

What about all those people of talent and investment that were supposed to come to Malta?  Could we find amongst them anyone willing to commit to developing the service?  High-speed service, a route to Pieta as there was before and multiple options are all necessary to ease the isolation being felt by not just students but also businesses.  What is going to happen when the Barts students and professionals come to Gozo?  What will they think of the slow and only option of travel between Malta and Gozo?  Let us remember that most of these will be passengers, without cars, and they would then need to continue their journey by bus. 

If you are going to develop tourism and education, then it is only fair that equal opportunities are in place.   I am sure that many tourists would continue to opt for the ferry crossing to Gozo because there is much charm to be enjoyed on the journey for those at leisure.  If the service could be improved, with for example, new facilities made available, like booking accommodation or car hire on board the ship, improving the cafeteria, the cleanliness and the safety standards, there is no reason why it would not remain as a first choice option for many passengers and drivers.

But it is time to listen to the Gozitans and respect their opinion when they say that they need the tunnel.  If Gozo is to be a part of the economic growth and sustainable as a tourist destination then this next level needs to be developed for the good of all.  Gozo will always be charming and will still attract tourism, even if it has a permanent link to Malta.  What is more important is that building will not be allowed to happen without control.  It would be up to them to preserve their environment and way of living.  Building is more of a threat then the tunnel.  One, the tunnel, connects, the other, building, destroys heritage.  But it is not fair to allow abuse in construction to hijack the permanent link.  A responsible administration should be able to ensure that integration would not mean a licence to kill.

So, it would also be best to set up another Front. This one for the Protection of the Environment in Gozo and then we would have measures in place to ensure that the character and quality of Gozo is not ruined.    A holistic plan for sustainability would add value to the product.  Eco-Gozo should not only be continued but also elevated and brought on board with a Commission for the Sustainable Development of Connectivity  and Tourism for Gozo which would also include the two Fronts and also a trade representation.

The way forward cannot be blocked.  Students in Malta should create a sister organisation to support the efforts of their friends from Gozo who face uneven challenges in achieving the same aims that Maltese students have.  Together they can achieve a permanent solution that will be good for everyone not just the few lucky ones.

It may sound like a mushrooming of Fronts and Organisations but synergy and coherence is needed to give impetus to change.