The Ċirkewwa south quay exposes the neglect and indifference of those responsible for ensuring smooth transportation between Malta and Gozo. Every time ferry operations shift there because of bad weather, chaos ensues. This chaos becomes most clear during weekends, public holidays, and festive seasons like Christmas, New Year, and Easter. Despite the consistent recurrence of these problems, authorities continue to ignore the urgent need for action, leaving Gozitans and visitors frustrated and stranded.
The south quay stands in a disgraceful state. It cannot provide basic infrastructure for effective ferry operations. When rough seas render the North Quay unusable, operations shift to the south quay, but the move creates more problems than it solves. Long queues, stretching for kilometres, dominate the scene. During Boxing Day this past December, motorists found themselves stuck in traffic for hours. Tailbacks extended from the quay to the Seabank Hotel roundabout, with some vehicles taking over two hours to board a ferry. For commuters, this ordeal becomes a harsh reminder of how far the quality of life for Gozitans has deteriorated because of such transportation issues.
Waiting in a two-hour queue reflects poorly on the well-being of Gozitans. Residents travelling to Malta for work, medical appointments, airport, or educational commitments lose valuable time and energy. The stress and uncertainty surrounding ferry delays add to their frustration. For businesses, the situation translates into financial losses. Cancelled appointments, delayed deliveries, and disrupted operations directly affect local enterprises. Many business owners express anger over the repeated disruptions that prevent them from serving customers effectively. Tourists who endure these delays also leave with negative impressions of Gozo, undermining the island's reputation as a convenient and welcoming destination.
Infrastructure at the south quay falls far short of what the situation demands. Drivers in queues have no access to designated parking areas, adding to the disorder. The quay lacks facilities that could streamline operations or provide comfort to waiting commuters. Authorities continue to sideline these issues, failing to acknowledge their responsibility for creating an efficient system. This absence of proper planning and infrastructure compounds the chaos, leaving residents and visitors in a perpetual state of inconvenience.
Responsibility for addressing the neglect of the south quay remains unclear. Neither the Gozo Ministry, Transport Malta, nor Infrastructure Malta has taken ownership of the issue. This lack of accountability reveals a systemic indifference to Gozo's needs. Institutions like the Gozo Business Chamber, Gozo Tourism Association, and Gozo Regional Development Authority avoid addressing this glaring problem. Their silence raises serious questions about their commitment to representing the interests of Gozitans. Residents and businesses feel abandoned, left to deal with a problem that the government has been neglecting for far too long.
Daniel Borg, CEO of the Gozo Business Chamber, continues to highlight the challenges faced by transportation between Malta and Gozo. However, his emphasis on a permanent link, such as a tunnel, cannot resonate with most Gozitans, but many Gozitans view immediate improvements to ferry services and quay infrastructure as more urgent. The ferry fleet, comprising Ta' Pinu, Gaudos, Malita, and the wet leased 30-year-old Greek vessel Nikolaus, struggle to meet growing demand. Some vessels, operating for nearly 25 years, require urgent upgrades or replacement. Leasing the Nikolaus helped ease pressure during peak periods, but the overall situation remains dire.
The neglect of the south quay also highlights broader failures in contingency planning. Rough weather and rough seas occur regularly and predictably. Yet, year after year, authorities cannot meet these situations adequately. Investment in port facilities at both Mgarr and Ċirkewwa falls short of what the growing demand requires. Gozitans, businesses, and tourists endure this neglect, with no rational solutions in sight.
The economic repercussions of this situation stretch beyond immediate delays. Gozo-based businesses suffer financial losses due to canceled appointments and disruptions in operations. These effects ripple through the island's economy, affecting employees, service providers, and residents who rely on timely deliveries and services. Tourists arriving with high expectations encounter long delays and logistical frustrations, which tarnish their overall experience. Negative word-of-mouth discourages future visitors, further eroding the island's appeal as a premier destination.
The government must tackle the south quay crisis without further delay. This includes immediate investments to upgrade the quay into a reliable and functional part of Gozo Channel operations. Authorities must create designated parking areas, implement effective traffic management systems, and introduce adequate facilities for commuters. Modernising the ferry fleet should also take precedence. Investing in environmentally friendly vessels, expanding the fleet to meet increasing demand, and maintaining a consistent schedule are critical steps.
Accountability must replace the current climate of avoidance. Authorities must clarify who oversees the south quay and hold them responsible for its maintenance and improvement. Stakeholders like the Gozo Business Chamber and Gozo Tourism Association must advocate for meaningful changes rather than remaining silent. Their inaction only deepens the problem, leaving residents and businesses without the support they deserve.
The government must also introduce a transparent, comprehensive plan to address Gozo's transportation challenges. This plan should include timelines for implementing infrastructure upgrades and contingency measures for emergencies. Authorities must ensure they communicate these solutions clearly to the public, instilling confidence that action is finally underway.
The crisis at the Ċirkewwa south quay reflects a deeper issue plaguing Gozo: neglect, inertia, and a lack of political commitment. Gozitans and visitors deserve better than long waits, poor infrastructure, and disrupted lives. The situation demands urgency and decisive action. Improving the south quay is not just a matter of convenience; it is a matter of respecting the dignity and well-being of those who rely on these essential services. Authorities should consider the present disgraceful situation and act now. Every delay further erodes the quality of life for Gozitans and damages Gozo's reputation as a place of opportunity and hospitality.