Marsaskala mayor Mario Calleja said he backs the proposed ferry project linking the locality to the capital city, calling for patience and unity from his community as he believes that this service will improve quality of life by easing traffic congestion and reducing pollution.

In comments to The Malta Independent on Sunday, Calleja expressed firm support for the proposed ferry service, describing it as a long-awaited solution for the locality's traffic and transport issues. Calleja said the project should not be politicised and said it has the potential to improve daily life for many residents.

"We've been calling for this since the time (when) Ian Borg (was minister responsible for transport)," Calleja said. "I and several of my fellow council members - though not all - have been pushing for it because many people from Marsaskala end up having to drive to Cospicua just to catch the ferry to Valletta."

Calleja noted that the current situation leads to more traffic and frustration, especially when it comes to parking. "I looked at it from the perspective that anyone from Marsascala should be able to park nearby and then take the ferry to Valletta. That's one less car on the road for every person who was going to drive to Valletta."

He added that the project would also involve the full maintenance of the existing mini harbour: "Apart from the ferry, the service will lead to a complete maintenance of the mini harbour."

Calleja suggested the introduction of a minibus service within Marsaskala to connect residents to the new ferry terminal. "If someone leaves their car in the garage, that's one less car on the road. So if they add a minibus that goes around Marsaskala, taking people directly to the ferry terminal, then people won't need to use their cars. That means fewer cars going through Żabbar, Fgura, and the main traffic hotspots."

He said many residents have already approached him expressing support for the idea. "A lot of people ask me about it and agree with me on the situation."

Calleja acknowledged that the ferry might not suit everyone: "Just because the ferry is there doesn't mean everyone will use it. Some people don't feel well at sea - it's not for everyone. But if we want to reduce traffic, we need to do something like this."

He also spoke about his own experience commuting to Valletta. "When I go to Valletta to teach, sometimes I have to plan an hour-and-a-half ahead, just to get there from Marsaskala."

Calleja argued that the ferry is not just a transport improvement but also a way to improve quality of life. "I believe this is another measure to reduce road traffic. What I don't want is for this to be politicised, because that would only bring harm. This is a decision that will benefit the residents of Marsaskala - it's not just a political decision."

He also referred to the current state of the promenade and how the project can help restore it. "The promenade is collapsing. And now that there's a chance to repair it fully as part of this project, why would I go against it?"

"When you see a project that's going to produce results, you support it and accept it. You need to have patience," he added.

Calleja noted that the ferry forms part of a government plan to reduce road congestion: "The government suggested this to reduce traffic from the roads. On the other hand, when the tourism season comes, what are we going to do? Just keep walking to everywhere?"

He questioned the current system, asking why people should continue driving long routes just to reach Valletta. "Why should I have to go through Żabbar, Fgura and more just to get to Valletta? And all that means more emissions on our streets, polluting the air, and spending more money on petrol and fuel which damages air quality - when we could use a ferry, which is free."

Addressing past criticism that Marsaskala had been neglected, Calleja said now is not the time to reject investment. "People said Marsascala had been forgotten and the quality here had dropped. Now that we have this help - with millions of euros - I'm supposed to reject it?"

"I've been talking about this for a long time, because people have been asking for it. Just as I've been emphasising for years about the need for a proper internal bus system. The current public transport system isn't good."

He stressed again that this should not be viewed through a political lens. "This shouldn't be treated as something political - and I want to emphasise this."

Calleja also responded to claims that the ferry project is being used as an excuse to push forward the long-opposed marina proposal. "Some people are saying this is just a way to build the marina. But that's not true. The marina isn't going to happen - we've already discussed this."

He was referring to initial plans to have a marina in the locality, a proposal that was withdrawn in May last year after public protests.

He closed the interview by reaffirming his commitment to residents. "You need to be with the people. And since I have time on my hands, I can dedicate it to them."