The leader ‘The Urbanisation of Gozo’ (February 10) contained several statements that have been rattling in my mind, prompting me to express some concerns.

The Labour Party pledged the start of the Gozo tunnel project in its 2017 manifesto, which referred to technical and scientific tests carried out by foreign companies, the University of Malta and by an Italian university. Reference was made to a Social Impact Assessment and the next step was to issue a call for expression of interest.

According to the leader: “Studies are in hand, conceptual designs and plans for the approach roads will soon be published, and the tender is being rolled out.”

Further on: “The two entrances to the tunnel are likely to be proposed on the ridge below Kenuna Tower in Nadur on the Gozo side and L-Imbordin between Manikata and Pwales Valley on the Malta side.”

So, while we have the approach roads already laid out, the entrances to where they may lead is still uncertain. This begs the question: has an expression of interest been issued, and if so, what was the outcome?

It seems that all this flurry of activity is not intended to accommodate the Gozitans but to give the government a shallow justification to impress them, on the eve of the European Parliamentary elections, that what had been pledged is being delivered.

A tunnel of around 13 kilometres is estimated to be completed by around 2024. Considering how projects are implemented in Malta, especially on the scale of the parame­ters that would affect such an undertaking, five years is truly wishful thinking and falls short of a realistic completion date.

The total outlay is not mentioned in the editorial but from another source this is estimated to be €300 million – based on an eight-kilometre stretch, and not 13!

According to the Transport Malta (2016) National Transport Strategy 2050 and the National Master Plan 2025, a Gozo-Malta subsea tunnel is still at the “feasibility study stage”. This is a clear indication of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing – so much for coordination.

Gozitans expect…to take part in a decision that affects them and their future generations, whether they are in favour of this tunnel or not

Another very worrying aspect is that, according to the editorial, “the ferries will be replaced by smaller ones focusing on passengers, not vehicles”, while on the other side the Minister for Gozo is promising a fourth ferry. This is another clear case of not all singers singing from the same score sheet.

One may therefore anticipate that the present terrible state of accessibility between Gozo and Malta is not going to be adequately addressed, as all indications are that the present ferries are to be replaced by ‘passenger only’ ferries when the tunnel is fully operational.

There are other crucial issues to be given serious consideration. This tunnel is going to have one traffic lane heading in either direction, begging the question: will there be a contingency plan for emergency hospital vehicles, collisions or vehicle breakdown, fire or the type of heavy vehicles using the tunnel? The transport of hazardous cargo, such as fuel and other dangerous materials, is currently being carried out by the ferry Gaudos under strict supervision. It is still not clear how this would be handled by the tunnel.

Consideration should have been given to whether the vehicles using the tunnel may be carried across by electrically operated transporters. This would minimise the risk of accidents, pollution and above all, result in more vehicles passing through.

What happens if an incident renders the tunnel inoperative for a period of time? What contingency would be in place to maintain smooth accessibility between the two islands?

As to the fares, can we have an indication of what they may entail? Would this be an opportunity for the government to come to the rescue by offering incentives?

This project involves all Gozitans and they expect to be granted their legitimate right to take part in a decision that affects them and their future generations, whether they are in favour of this tunnel or not.

Besides, this is a project that may entail financial commitments being met by taxpayers’ money for many years to come. Undoubtedly it may fall under the responsibility of another government in the near future – I expect all political parties to declare their interest regarding their future commitment on this project.

It has also to be borne in mind that the outcome of this tunnel project may well follow the ignominious track record of this government in previous projects, such as Electrogas, the American University of Malta, the Vitals Global Health Care hospital, the issue of numerous direct orders and contracts, and the Corinthia project, all shrouded in secrecy and defying the pledge of transparency.

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