Labour demands concrete action on Ċirkewwa terminal

The opposition has lambasted the government for not making any progress on the construction of the long-promised ferry terminal at Ċirkewwa.

Labour's spokesman on infrastructure Charles Buhagiar said it was shameful the project, promised as far back as 15 years ago, had not yet been approved by the planning authority.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi recently said a new design for the terminal had been submitted to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority at the end of last year and EU funds would be sought for the project. This meant previous funds allocated to the project had been lost, Mr Buhagiar said.

He listed a number of missed target dates, adding that the government's incompetence was causing hardship for ferry users. He called on the government to take the project in hand and see it through to completion.

However, the Infrastructure Ministry defended its position and said the government was seeking a design for the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal that cost less than the three previously proposed.

Contrary to what Mr Buhagiar claimed, the ministry said no funds were lost by changing the terminal's plans because they were already allocated and it was the government's decision to use them for the project.

The ports' project, the ministry said, was divided into four phases: dredging and other works at sea to allow the building of the new quays, the reclamation of land, building new quays, together with the breakwater extension, work on the quay and building new terminals at Mġarr and Ċirkewwa.

It added that Mr Buhagiar failed to note that the first three phases were ready and transport between the two islands was already enjoying a leap in quality. In fact, it was very rare trips were cancelled because vessels could not berth.

The new terminal would be built and this would complement the new Mġarr terminal, it promised.