MaltaToday previous editions

MALTATODAY 22 September 2019

Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1170309

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 3 of 55

4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 22 SEPTEMBER 2019 NEWS WE ARE ARE YOU INTERESTED IN WORKING IN MALTA'S LARGEST PROPERTY PORTFOLIO? RECRUITING! Senior Professional Officer - LAWYER (131/2019*) Professional Officer - LEGAL PROCURATOR (544/2019) Professional Officer - DRAUGHTSMAN (543/2019) Senior Technical Officer - ICT OFFICER (212/2019) Closing Date: 30th September 2019 | *Jobsplus Permit Numbers SEND YOUR CV TO hr.la@landsauthority.org.mt OBTAIN MORE DETAILS FROM http://landsauthority.org.mt/mt/about-us/careers/ MATTHEW VELLA A survey held specifically with Gozitan respondents has revealed that some 58% are against the Malta-Gozo tunnel project, with just 26% in favour and 16% stating they had no opinion on the mat- ter. The survey, seen by MaltaToday, was carried out at the beginning of September and held among 412 respondents. And supported by the num- bers from the survey, reflecting a change of heart amongst Gozitans benefitting from the addition of the fourth Gozo ferry, even PN leader Adrian Delia now appears to have his own reservations on the tunnel project. Sources said that Delia had al- ready told his advisors that he was firmly against the Gozo tunnel project, a project that could cost as much as €3 billion. Yet the PN leader has been eva- sive about the PN's position on the tunnel – a project first pro- posed by former PN minister Chris Said – even though Delia has been supportive of the project in parliament. Last Thursday Delia shifted his position, saying he would give his verdict on wheth- PN leader Adrian Delia has told advisors he is against the Gozo tunnel, as numbers show growing opposition on sister island Survey confirms Gozitan opposition to tunnel A survey carried out among 412 Gozitan respondents at the beginning of September has found that 58%, now are against the Malta-Gozo tunnel. PN leader Adrian Delia has already shown signs that he wants to wait and see before taking a decisive stance on the matter er he is in favour or against the Gozo tunnel only when all studies are published. Interviewed by Saviour Balzan during the PN's Inde- pendence celebrations, Delia said the permanent link would be a monumental decision for the country, arguing that one must approach the debate with caution. "What I am saying is, let us see the full, published reports, and what they have to say about the tunnel's impact, and then we can take a decision," Delia said. The decision to counter the tunnel may be one of Delia's opportunities to win over the environmental lobby which, although not yet a cohesive force, now represents the most consistent and vocal element in Maltese civil society. Apart from environ- mental concerns top- ping the public's con- cerns as revealed in recent polls, just weeks ago Moviment Graffitti convened a success- ful demonstration under the banner 'enough is enough', to protest the Labour administra- tion's kowtowing to the con- struction industry. Delia has yet to contend with MPs like Chris Said, a former leadership rival, who is vehe- mently in favour of the tunnel project. But the tunnel project is also one of Joseph Muscat's lega- cy projects, which the Prime Minister says would offer an economic lifeline to the sis- ter island. Delia would have to hedge his bets on whether his opposition to the tun- nel could marshal support in Gozo, where the PN has been bludgeoned in the European elections, as well as attract an environmentally conscious vote that is suspicious of both parties.

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of MaltaToday previous editions - MALTATODAY 22 September 2019