Gozo needs a connectivity solution today, not in 10 years’ time - Casa

Gozitan families and individuals are not second class citizens. This government has looked the other way on the ever-pressing concern of connectivity between Malta and its sister island for years, and is blatantly ignoring the double insularity problem which Gozitan people face every single day in taking hours to travel to and from Malta and Gozo.

Whilst the permanent link by means of a tunnel or bridge is a welcome one, it is still in the planning phase and years from fruition. The short term problem which is a daily concern for all Gozitans needs to be addressed, and can be alleviated by obtaining a fourth ferry for the Gozo Channel service. This is the crucial first step to help clear the hour-long queues that are a harsh reality every single day of the week, and more often that not tend to get worse in weekends.

Moreover, the Gozo Channel resources need to be strengthened drastically, and the modernisation of the ageing ferries must become a priority.

I am calling on the government to immediately start preparations to purchase a fourth ferry for the Gozo channel. In addition, I am ready to push for EU funding that that can be used for this purpose. The cohesion fund for instance was successfully used in the construction of the Cirkewwa terminal. A fourth ferry for the Gozo Channel would be of benefit of all Gozitan families, workers and service providers.