The Nationalist Party, through its local councillors in Marsaskala and on behalf of thousands of residents, is calling for a written guarantee from Minister Chris Bonett that the proposed fast ferry project will not damage the much-loved bay of the locality.

While, in principle, the PN supports projects that can improve connectivity and help ease traffic congestion, the Nationalist councillors of Marsaskala cannot reassure residents that this project will not harm their bay, as they have not been given access to the studies assessing its potential impact, the PN said Wednesday.

While they understand that certain details may be commercially sensitive, the PN's local councillors strongly believe in their right, and even more so the residents' right, to access the information the Government holds about how this project may affect people's quality of life in the area. If the Government has nothing to hide, it should immediately make public all relevant information about the project, particularly regarding its impact on residents and all those who visit the area for leisure.

Without this crucial information, neither residents nor councillors can form an informed opinion for or against the project. However, being deprived of such information naturally leads to concerns that the Government may be concealing something, the PN said.

It is in this spirit that residents have recently voiced their opposition to the project, and in the same spirit that PN councillors in the locality felt they could not vote in favour of such a proposal - one that will undoubtedly affect the quality of life of Marsaskala's residents and the character of the locality itself.

For this reason, the PN councillors have tabled two Motions to ensure that the Marsaskala Local Council's submission to the Planning Authority includes a request for the Government to provide the requested information, particularly the relevant studies.

The PN councillors are serving on the Council not only to represent the people of Marsaskala but also to safeguard the locality's interests, its beauty and the characteristics that define it. In asking the Minister for guarantees, they are fulfilling their duty, the party said.

The Partit Nazzjonalista hopes that Minister Bonett shows enough respect towards the people of Marsaskala by providing them with all the necessary information to reassure them that this project will not rob the locality of its beauty, nor deprive residents and visitors of their right to enjoy it.

The PN said it expected to receive the requested information and a clear guarantee that this project will not ruin the bay and its natural environment.

Government statement

In response, Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett said that on several occasions he has met with the Marsaskala Local Council as well as with a number of NGOs, both before and after the announcement of this project.

During these meetings, all phases of the project were explained in detail - from the fast ferry terminal to a new park & ride service from the Sant'Antnin park area for the circular bus routes, so that the new fast ferry service can be introduced carefully and with minimal inconvenience to Marsaskala residents. 

"Minister Chris Bonett has clearly and repeatedly emphasized that the swimming zones will not be affected, and that the fast ferry will enter the bay at the lowest possible speed (dead speed) to ensure everyone's safety," the ministry said in a statement.

"The Government remains committed to continuing its dialogue with the local council, residents, and all stakeholders. The main goal remains to respect the will of the absolute majority of Marsaskala residents through the implementation of this project, a project that will improve infrastructure and connectivity in a sustainable way, while preserving the unique character and natural environment that the locality of Marsaskala has."