Pros and cons of the Gozo tunnel

The primary considerations regulating the feasibility and realisation of the Malta-Gozo tunnel should be whether the underwater geological formations along the proposed tunnel route would be advantageous and solid enough to withstand the immense pressure of the body of water overlying the tunnel without prohibitive additional costs necessary to reinforce the excavation.

Next, after the necessary massive excavation costs, the second most important consideration should be the outcome of the examination and analysis of the contents of the new leaf proposed to be inserted in the history of our islands.

This applies with particular reference to Gozo after results are released for all to read and digest.

Another intimately related crucial consideration is whether the present ferry service with three boats and the possibility of adding more, will meet future commuters’ needs.

An advantage of the proposed tunnel is that it will mainly benefit daily commuters from the sister island who can travel any time that suits them, without being tied to a ferry’s timetable.

Admittedly it may also advantage cars and commercial vehicles, albeit at a greater outlay than using the ferry in fuel costs plus inevitable toll charges necessary to maintain and operate the tunnel service efficiently.

The most formidable disadvantage of the tunnel would undoubtedly be the facilitation of heavier traffic from Malta during weekends and holidays that would inevitably overwhelm and flood Gozitan streets and roads which were never designed to handle such a huge motorised invasion.

Besides, motorcycle traffic from Malta would increase, since motorcyclists may find Gozo more convenient and exciting than Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq as a base for their weekend outings.

Needless to say that, as a result of this traffic explosion Eco-Gozo and noise levels are bound to suffer in localities where previously peace and clean air reigned supreme.

Another disadvantage is that by using the tunnel instead of the ferry, visitors, particularly foreigners, would have to forego enjoying the views of the sea and of unspoilt virgin land.

From the Maltese aspect, one of the main drawbacks is likely to be the massive lines of traffic on weekends and holidays building up at Ċirkewwa and beyond, possibly even extending as far as the Mellieħa Bay area.

Also to be kept in view is the possibility that popular Gozitan holiday centres may take more and more patrons, which means the environment would suffer because of heavier traffic and demands on parking space. This would obviously detract from the relaxing holiday atmosphere now enjoyed by those localities.

When considering the pros and cons there is hardly any justification for building a Gozo tunnel. Because of its massive financial cost and harmful effect on the environment.

Gozo would lose its characteristic uniqueness and insularity, top attractions that pull visitors to its shores and picturesque villages, each gently dominated by the architectural gem that is the parish church.