The government presented the budget estimates for 2024 on Monday 30 October. NGOs in Gozo have been at the forefront with their proposals for the budget regarding Gozo. These covered several categories. The main one which I feel is crucial for sustainability and progress of Gozo is that concerning ‘accessibility’.

GBC - Gozo Business Chamber stated that the upcoming budget should prioritize accessibility and infrastructure. They called for support in the wholesale/import and retail sector to cover transportation costs on the main island of Malta. 

GTA–Gozo Tourism Association proposed to:

·         Keep, improve and sustain the fast ferry service, which can also help attract to Gozo other niche tourists.

·         Build a new fourth ferry identical to the existing ones to replace the Nikolaus. 

·         Start the development of the airfield for the fixed wing air link between Gozo and Malta.

·         Implement a ticketing system that allows people to use multiple transportation modes with just one ticket (fast ferry, Gozo Channel, and Malta Transport). 

GRDA–Gozo Regional Development Authority, the mouthpiece of the Gozo Ministry, stated: “Connectivity to the main island of Malta is critical for Gozo’s development. A service that needs to be consistent and available almost constantly. For this reason, the ferry service needs to reflect new realities and continue to ensure delivery of the required capacity for both commercial and passenger vehicles.” 

The 2024 budget failed to address any of the proposals mentioned above.

But is this all that needs to be done in Gozo regarding ‘accessibility’? Really? So let’s face the actual situation.

Transport to Gozo

Gozo Channel commissioned the fleet of ferries Gaudos, Malita and Ta’ Pinu in 1996. These ferries are now classified as “outdated fuel-guzzlers”. GTA is recommending to build a fourth ferry identical to the present ferries. This will be suicidal when all the ferries, including the 32-year-old leased Nickolaus, need to be replaced with modern fuel efficient ferries. When and if the government allocates the funds to meet this financial commitment remains at present in pure fantasy. 

But, are four ferries adequate to meet Gozo’s everyday demands? Dangerous cargo such as fuel needs a ferry assigned for the trip. Cargo which used to be transported from Sa Maison is now using the Cirkewwa quays as well. Mgarr harbour is struggling to cope with the normal transport schedule, especially in summer, with only two ferry quays. To expand the Gozo terminal will take years. A short-term solution may be to consider private companies operating to Grand Harbour for cargo and a fast ferry including vehicles. 

After considerable arm twisting, the fast ferry is operating supported by an annual €6 million subsidy of taxpayers’ money. The adjudication of the tender recommended a company which had all the credentials to run the service. The administration at Castille had other ideas. So, after unnecessary delays in court, two companies started operating the service with both of them running financial losses. Since then, they formed a joint service, Gozo High Speed. Gozo, it seems cannot have a decent, reliable, accessibility service without the government forking out subsidies.

In recent years, the government's investment in improving Gozo's accessibility has been minimal and almost ridiculous. Consider the fourth ferry, Nickolaus. Gozo Channel has wet leased this 32-year-old ferry at about €13,000 daily. This was after over two years of chaotic late waiting at Cirkewwa for boarding in the scorching sun during busy summer months. 

This is how the present government tried to mitigate the grave situation of a shortage of ferries. It was the PN that provided the other ferries and terminal. The Minister for Gozo's boast about Gozo Channel's increased trips indirectly acknowledges the PN's contribution.

Road from Zebbiegh (Mgarr) to Cirkewwa

This is an alternative route to Cirkewwa, the other being through Burmarrad. Just after Zebbiegh towards Manikata, the road lacks lighting, proper signs and safety barriers. When it’s pitch dark, several sections of the white lines are barely visible. No reflecting markers and no side bollards are in place.

From Manikata towards the upper part of Mellieha, it’s another marathon. The road is narrow and made even narrower with bushes and shrubs on each side. There is no side embankment or support, which renders driving during the late hours, especially on a rainy day, very dangerous.

Planning and finances are required to address these shortcomings. Infrastructure Malta prioritized the Ghadira road project, which involved converting one lane into a parking space.

Reaching Cirkewwa 

The road from the upper part of Ghadira to Cirkewwa is one lane. Whenever there are a lot of vehicles heading to Gozo for events like Carnival and Easter, or the Kite and Wind festival, there is often chaos when it comes to arranging the queue for the ferry. This single lane was a genial idea introduced by the previous PN government. After 10 years, IM has done nothing to ease this critical bottleneck.

South Quay

The neglected state of this South Quay for decades makes me wonder why no MP or minister has raised the issue in Parliament to improve its facilities for commuters. Besides, this would be an opportunity of having an alternative quay for the ferries.

When the ferry is operating from this quay, the queuing problem is even worse, considering that only one quay is available, so boarding time is far longer.

Relieving traffic from Cirkewwa

Six years ago, the PN made a promise in their election manifesto to add two new ferries and reintroduce a cargo ferry to Grand Harbour. This would ease traffic and congestion at Cirkewwa.

The traffic to Cirkewwa has become heavier since the Sa Maison quay made way to a Marina. The government should have taken earlier action and arranged a different berthing site for cargo ferries in the Grand Harbour.

On-line ticketing system

On eventful weekends in Gozo, expect long vehicle queues at Cirkewwa and Mgarr Gozo, assuming all ferries are running, otherwise the situation will be more critical.

NSO Regional Statistics for years 2017 to 2022 show a yearly discrepancy of about 18,000 more vehicles crossing from Cirkewwa than from Mgarr. 

Gozo Channel Operations launched the first phase of the Ferry e-ticketing system for regular commuters, government offices, and tour operators. “Phase 2 will be introduced in the near future” according to Gozo Channel. 

So an online ticketing system, in line with the first come first served basis, which may help relieve the queueing situation, is not on Gozo Channel’s radar. Such a system would have addressed the discrepancy between vehicles crossing to Gozo and back. Commuters with vehicles could apply online for a specific time slot and check if it was available. After all, this is like an airline booking system, always assuming the system is tamper proof. 

This is common sense. The Gozitan Ministers, MPs, and other government officials should make a commitment to improve accessibility to Gozo. This will improve the commuters’ feel-good factor and attract more quality tourists to Gozo.

Emmanuel J Galea is a freelance writer