As always, Revel Barker is true to his name – he revels in destructive criticism and sarcasm. I will not try and match him because he is the unquestioned champion in both subjects especially when it comes to Gozo and its needs, however I will try and address some of the points raised in his letter Darkness At The End Of The Proposed Gozo Tunnel (June 24).

To start off with, Mr Barker must have attended a different meeting than most of us because what Prof. Eivind Grøv said was that most tunnels cut in rock are bound to seep water. Sub-sea tunnels are no different and that is why water seeping through is directed around the perimeter of the tunnel, collected in large reservoirs underneath the tunnel and then pumped out to sea.

Regarding accidents in tunnels, what the professor stated was that while persons involved in accidents had to take the first necessary steps to safety, sub-sea tunnels are continuously monitored from a central control room which is linked to emergency/rescue teams; the tunnels are equipped with apparatus such as a dedicated radio channel instructing travellers in case of emergencies, SOS phones, CCTV, special areas where cars can manoeuvre and turn back, etc. In addition access points to the tunnel are closed and no traffic is allowed entry.

And simply because in Iceland, the sub-sea tunnel replaced the ferry service, does not mean that the same will happen in Gozo. With a permanent link in place the Gozo ferry service may have to run less frequently and there may not even be the need for the ferry to operate at night, thus reducing government expenditures needed to support the night service.

Nowhere during the conference was there any reference made to the location of the entry/exit point in Gozo and before the study is concluded one can only speculate, which is right up Mr Barker’s alley. As for funding the project, Mr Barker once again tries to create doubts where there are none by stating that Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said did not translate to English the funding possibilities because those paying the bills do not speak Maltese! The only concern I have is if those responsible in Brussels have the same interpreters as Mr Barker – then I agree and we would be in trouble!

Mr Barker should stop hiding behind statements such as “whether it’s the Gozitans who want it or the Maltese contractors” and tell us if he is in favour or against and why.

I have experienced first-hand the difficulties of working in Malta and living in Gozo for many years, crossing every day, rain or shine. I retired some years ago and today, more than ever, I am in favour of a permanent link between Gozo and Malta, be it a tunnel, a bridge or a causeway.

Gozo residents like Mr Barker are welcome to voice their opinion as long as these opinions are based on facts and not speculation; Mr Barker should be making constructive recommendations and not just try and muddy the waters.