Permanent Gozo-Malta link is crucial

It surprises me that the idea of creating a permanent link between Malta and Gozo has become such a controversial issue.

Ever since the early 1960s, connecting the islands by a bridge, a causeway or a tunnel has been the subject of discussion together with the environmental, social and negative visual impact any of these ideas may cause. In the early 1970s the government commissioned studies which concluded that all three ideas were viable.

The ferry service cannot be guaranteed all year round because it is suspended in adverse weather conditions. In spite of improved services in recent years, logistical problems still lead to long queues in the holiday and peak seasons, thereby affecting Gozitans’ daily itinerary.

I have always been impressed by the plight and sacrifices Gozitans have had to make over the years, as they have to travel regularly to Malta for health, education and employment.

So, in my opinion, the tunnel would appear the most likely option given its potentially low visual and environmental impact. This should also halt the internal migration to Malta which is resulting in a ‘brain drain’ from Gozo, as one generation after another continues to seekopportunities elsewhere.

A link would improve tourism all year round and attract more foreign investment, thereby creating a multiplier effect and a higher demand for jobs.

We must lose no time in starting to work on the tunnel project, and provide the opportunities for the next generation of Gozitan workers to seek employment in Gozo.

Unfortunately, partisan politics tend to play a major role in the implementation of new projects even if the true champions of this vital and necessary venture must be the Gozitan people. We must therefore be above party politics, in the interest of Gozo’s socio-economic development and of future generations of Gozitans.

And, to set the minds of those who cherish Gozo and its people at rest, I have no doubt that Gozitans will never allow their identity, traditions and beliefs to be sacrificed but will continue to embrace progress and integrate any changes with the magic of Gozo.