It’s a long way to... Gozo

Commuting between Malta and Gozo has never been quick, but the normally straightforward journey occasionally proves to be a tortuous experience. The past week proved to be one such instance.

On a hot Sunday morning last weekend, trippers had to wait at the quayside in Ċirkewwa for some time because, due to a fault with the door of one of the ferries, only one vessel was in operation.

It was bad luck that it happened to be the one with the biggest loading capacity; and perhaps bad planning – since it was already the second week in June – that the third ferry was still undergoing work in the dock.

The temperature on board did not ease off that evening, as trippers on the 10.15 p.m. ferry were again let down after someone made a request/gave the order – who it was is not yet abundantly clear though either way Gozo Channel should not have acceded to it – for the full vessel to wait an extra 35 minutes for the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.

No explanation from the company was forthcoming, let alone an apology. It was only after another incident – the allegation, refuted by Gozo Channel, is that the ramp was lifted as passengers were still boarding – that Tonio Fenech, the minister responsible for the company, stepped forward to comment.

As he, coincidentally or not, visited the refitted Ta’ Pinu vessel – which not before time now has a double deck – he appealed for people who allege they were on the ramp to come forward, and said captains had been instructed not to wait longer than five minutes beyond departure time. This is common sense, but why were they not given these instructions earlier?

The big shame is that events of this nature detract from the sterling work performed by Gozo Channel employees throughout the year. At times in very difficult conditions, the ferries by and large are efficient and reliable. They undoubtedly serve as a vital link between the two islands.

It is the nature of that link that it is the subject of seemingly never-ending discussion. No politician really wants to pooh-pooh an airstrip in Gozo outright for fear of losing the votes of the Gozitan businessmen who believe in it, yet in reality neither of the political parties wants it.

Joseph Muscat’s comments during a recent visit to Chambray typified this approach. He expressed a preference for a helicopter service, but the truth is that no one has ever managed to make one financially viable, and it seems unlikely they ever will.

This centres the debate on some kind of land connection. However, though a bridge could be useful – try explaining the romantic nature of a ferry crossing to a Gozitan who makes the journey every day rain, wind or shine – the aesthetic effect on the beautiful archipelago cannot be overlooked. One must also wonder whether it could still be used in the high winds that lash the channel at times.

The latest vogue, of course, is the tunnel. If such an option is feasible and viable, then it would be by far the best option for the future since it would serve the needs of Gozitans and visitors alike, and yet be relatively discreet. But one must ask whether the prospect is being dangled as an electoral carrot to curry flavour on the sister island.

There is much convincing to be done before the proposal can be taken seriously. And in any case it will take a long time. Which brings us back to where we started: the ferries. They are likely to see a great deal of service yet. So perhaps we can ensure that they are operated in a more business-like manner from now on.