The Gozo Business Chamber has welcomed the presentation of a government motion seeking bipartisan support for the tunnel project.

The motion, presented by Transport Minister Ian Borg and Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana, notes that the introduction of a permanent link between Malta and Gozo was a commitment made by both political parties in their electoral manifestos.

It acknowledges the challenges the project is likely to cause in terms of the waste generated and the need to preserve Gozo’s natural beauty and cultural identity. It calls on MPs to back the project.

Read: Third would not pay more for Gozo tunnel if more expensive than ferry

The Gozo Business Chamber urged the government and the Opposition to keep their promises and continue with the commitment for the necessary preparations for the project to be implemented.

The current proposal is for a 13 kilometre-long tunnel with a seven metre radius and one traffic lane heading in either direction, with an additional safety lane. Traffic analysts predict that about 6,500 vehicles will use it every day.

Highlighting the bipartisan efforts for such a link, the Gozo Business Chamber said work on the link had been ongoing for several years enjoying the full support of every party that was in government. Studies had shown that the subsea tunnel was the best option for a permanent link between the two islands in a project that would benefit Gozitans and Maltese alike, it continued, noting with satisfaction that all the necessary studies had been undertaken.

Watch: Gozo tunnel will be built and run by the private sector

It said it agreed that the project be carried out in the most sustainable manner possible as part of an overall strategy to enhance Gozo’s socio-economic development and improve the quality of life of Gozitan residents.

The proposed link met with stiff opposition from environmental groups, who have demanded that all environmental studies linked to the project be published.

The Democratic Party is the only party represented in Parliament to express opposition to the project. It said the tunnel would have a severe environmental impact and would turn Gozo into a mecca for property speculators.

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