Taxpayers' money funds public services, yet the government's priorities reveal a striking disparity between its investments in essential transport for Gozitans and its lavish spending on luxury vehicles for ministers and persons of trust. The Gozo Channel vessels, the lifeline for thousands of commuters, continue to age well past their optimal years of service. The government spares no expense in providing brand-new high-end cars for its officials while refusing to allocate funds for new ferries in the yearly budget estimates. Ministers travel in comfort in the latest BMWs, Mercedes, Toyotas, Volvos, and Teslas, but commuters crossing between Malta and Gozo remain reliant on outdated ferries that have seen better days.

The Gozo Channel fleet comprises vessels that have served for over two decades. The MV Ta' Pinu, MV Malita, and MV Gaudos have served for 25, 23, and 24 years respectively, while the Nikolaos-leased by this government-is an astonishing 36 years old. Ferries of this age surpass the standard industry lifespan of 25-30 years. The MV Nikolaos, because of its age and limitations, carries only half the allotted number of passengers because of safety concerns, further highlighting the need for new vessels. Instead of recognising this urgency, the government continues to ignore calls for proper investment. No allocation in the annual financial estimates addresses the replacement of these vessels, proving that no interest exists in securing safe and modern transport for Gozitans.

PN MEP Peter Agius commissioned a study on the need for new ferries for Gozo, presenting clear evidence that replacement is long overdue. The study outlines the risks associated with keeping outdated vessels in operation, the economic advantages of fleet renewal, and the environmental benefits of transitioning to modern, energy-efficient ferries. The government completely ignored this study, refusing to act on its recommendations. Decision-makers dismissed the findings despite the report presenting concrete data on passenger volume, mechanical deterioration, and the economic impact of unreliable ferry service on Gozo's residents and businesses.

Gozo Channel, despite operating as a monopoly, delivers excellent service and maintains smooth operations even under government-imposed burdens. Employees work tirelessly to ensure crossings run on schedule. Instead of investing in modern ferries and improving conditions, the Gozo Ministry prioritises political favouritism by overloading the company with excessive employees, using it as a job placement scheme rather than strengthening its core operations. The company continues to function efficiently only because of the dedication of its workers, who battle outdated vessels daily to provide safe transport for the thousands who depend on these ferries.

The MV Ta' Pinu, in particular, raises serious concerns. With years of wear and tear, critical questions arise regarding its seaworthiness. A government refusing to act places responsibility on itself should a major failure occur. Will there be the usual evasion, with no one stepping forward to accept liability? The consequences of ignoring an aging fleet could be disastrous. When a ferry service operates beyond its intended lifespan, the risks increase. Commuters rely on these vessels daily, yet they travel on ships long overdue for replacement.

The defiance to invest in ferry renewal reveals the government's true priorities. Money flows freely when it concerns ministerial privileges, but for ensuring safe transportation for Gozitans, excuses surface. The same government that pleads poverty for replacing old ferries spares no expense in leasing top-tier vehicles for its ministers and trusted appointees. The issue is not financial incapacity, but misplaced preferences. The government should not boast about rising commuter numbers when it was the previous government that provided these vessels and which, unfortunately, this administration failed miserably to improve them. Instead, the previous Minister for Gozo leased the MV Nikolaos, a ferry even older than the rest, a short-term solution rather than a meaningful long-term investment in Gozo's connectivity.

This government continues to treat Gozitans as second-class citizens. Despite securing votes from Gozo, it has failed to provide adequate services for its people. The €700 million election pledge for road repairs excluded Gozo. Promises of 'improving connectivity' ring hollow when the government refuses to fund basic transport infrastructure while its ministers enjoy luxury. The contrast is stark and infuriating. Gozo's residents and visitors cannot tolerate ferries far beyond their reasonable service life while those in power enjoy the latest vehicle upgrades without question. The people of Gozo deserve safe, efficient, and modern transportation, just as much as any minister deserves a functional car. Still, the discrepancy is clear and persistent, with the disparity remaining readily obvious despite any attempts to ignore it.

Seaworthiness is not up for debate; it is a matter of public safety. A ferry service cannot function indefinitely without renewal. Those in power ignore this reality, refusing to take action until tragedy forces their hand. If a disaster were to happen because of mechanical failure or age-related deterioration, no excuse or political statement would suffice. The government would have to answer for every life placed at risk because of its refusal to prioritise what truly matters. Every traveller who boards these outdated ferries deserves to do so without fear of a looming catastrophe.

Peter Agius's study 'New ferries for Gozo' provides a roadmap for modernising the Gozo ferry fleet. The report outlined options for financing the project, including EU funds designated for sustainable maritime transport. The European Commission actively supports the transition towards green ferry fleets, yet the Maltese government has chosen not to tap into these available funds. Unlike other European nations investing in clean energy ferries, the administration remains stuck in a short-sighted, maintenance-based approach that does nothing to solve the underlying problem of an obsolete fleet. The government could act, but ignores expert recommendations and fails to plan for the future.

Gozo Channel employees, who work tirelessly to ensure safe crossings, deserve better working conditions. The government has not tried to address the dangers of constant exposure to exhaust fumes on aging vessels. Crew members breathe in toxic emissions on every crossing, risking long-term health complications, yet Gozo Channel management has not yet introduced any mitigation measures. Investing in new ferries would not only improve service for passengers, but would also safeguard the health of the workers who keep this essential transport route running. The government's indifference towards both passenger and employee safety exposes its lack of concern for those outside its privileged circle.

This government does not lack the financial means to replace these vessels. There is a deficiency in its willpower and resolve which hinders progress. The refusal to fund new ferries while funnelling money into luxury for ministers is not just financial mismanagement - it is an act of negligence. The government cannot claim to serve Gozitans while ignoring the needs of those who rely on these ferries daily. Prioritising safety above all else and making it the primary concern is imperative. A government more focused on personal enrichment than the state of Gozo's transport infrastructure reveals an inefficient public service. The Government should heed the voices of those who demand accountability. The time for action is now. No more empty promises, no more budget excuses. Gozitans merit a modern, reliable, and safe ferry service before failure strikes. Anything less is an unforgivable betrayal.