The Gozo Business Chamber has expressed concern at the current service being offered by Gozo Channel.
It said in a statement that the large number of vehicles crossings, as well as unexpected “bomb scares”, were causing long queues and loss of time to those wanting to cross over for work or important appointments, such as those relating to health, business, and air travel.
The chamber said it was being inundated with phone calls from many members who were missing their appointments for delivery and collection of wares, apart from the fact that they had to face additional costs to pay the drivers overtime for the extra waiting time at Mġarr and Ċirkewwa.
This situation was detrimental to business in Gozo and a disincentive for Maltese/foreign investors who were considering investing in Gozo.
The time for consultations and discussions was up and the chamber wanted to see drastic immediate action as the situation had now reached melting point.
Statement by Association for Gozitan Employees in Malta
In another statement, the Association for Gozitan Employees in Malta said technical faults were understandable since the current Gozo Channel fleet was around 18 years old.
But their aging was a constant strain on those who depended on the company to make a living, be it employees, self-employed or businesses. Although commercial activity in Gozo was improving, the current structures and operations were not coping with the increased demand jeopardising the sustainability of progress.
The association said that present day needs had to be dealt with immediately. It noted that permanent links would not be installed in the coming weeks and short-term exigencies should be given priority.
The fast ferry service had also been delayed and the authorities should prioritise the resolution of this matter to avoid further delays in the commencement of operations.
The association also asked for constant updated regarding the introduction of the fourth vessel to the current fleet. In the meantime, all current three vessels, it said, should operate simultaneously and daily.
Arriving in Malta from Gozo had become a hectic and long journey with the current schedule. Traffic jams in Mġarr and Ċirkewwa were becoming the norm rather than the exception with parking spots in these areas being exhausted, it said.