Gozo’s connectivity to Malta has always been a topic of discussion, especially for people who live on the smaller island who work or study in Malta. They must have quick and easy transport across the islands, of that there is no doubt.

However one questions whether the idea of a tunnel, which has effectively been shelved, would really have been a good idea.

First of all, one must mention the threat to Gozo’s environment that such a project would bring. The island is already experiencing overdevelopment in some areas. One only needs to look at Xlendi as an example of how hotchpotch construction could lead to the uglification of an area.

It is sad to say that we have not yet learned from the mistakes we have made in Malta in this regard.

The construction of a tunnel would have probably led to the intensification of development in Gozo, an island which is sought after for its beauty and charm. There are ways to see development in Gozo while still keeping its character and charm, yet sadly the Planning Authority still fails to set good standards in this regard.

As for the viability of a tunnel, well one must ask if the number of crossings would really have justified the cost of construction and maintenance and whether the road system in Gozo would be up for an influx of more vehicles, lest we result in a similar situation we have in Malta.

The Gozo channel and the Gozo fast ferry service are the two main ways the islands are currently connected. The Gozo channel has been in operation for many years, and the introduction of the fourth ferry helped increase the number of trips. The Fast ferry service, which is still relatively new, recently saw some changes. The two fast ferry companies merged to form a single service called Gozo Highspeed, and offers an option for people to travel to Gozo directly from Malta’s capital city, Valletta – although only for foot passengers. However, the two companies had previously said that the service is not financially viable, and that a Public Service Obligation (PSO) is needed. Such an option should be studied, and according to Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, the government is looking into it.

“Presently we are giving help so that the service keeps going with a schedule which works for everyone, as the worst thing is if there isn’t the peace of mind of the service operating on time and consistently. But in the long-term we are looking at a PSO, like we have with the Gozo Channel,” he told The Malta Independent on Sunday. Asked whether the PSO may include extending the service to other localities besides Valletta, Camilleri didn’t exclude it but said that one would have to see whether it is viable and commented that if one adds destinations then the ferry service could become more like a hop-on-hop-off ferry rather than a fast ferry, which is not what the government wants.

The minister also mentioned the idea of an air link. However, the last time an air service was attempted, it failed. But the minister said that rather than an air service, the idea is to have a facility for companies to offer their services from there. This could be an interesting idea if companies are interested. Now such a facility could, for instance, also be used by flight schools rather than for any direct link between the two islands. The minister also said it could be used to connect Gozo to other islands outside of Malta. The viability of such an idea remains a big question mark, but that would be up for private entities to decide.

 What the government must do is check whether such a facility would be used enough or not.