Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1499757
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 MARCH 2022 OPINION 3 LETTERS & EDITORIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 MAY 2023 Mikiel Galea Letters & Clarifications Ghadira-Cirkewwa connection GOZO as a touristic Island destina- tion depends on constant, reliable and unhindered connectivity, in order to sustain this important pillar for its economy. In this regard the Gozo Tourism Association cannot understand why the only southbound road in Għadira, connecting Ċirkewwa with the rest of the mainland, is being constructed with one traffic lane. Connectivity to the port of Ċirkewwa is already being ham- pered with another North bound, one traffic-lane road, creating traffic chaos to access the ferry terminal each time Gozo experiences a busy weekend. The Gozo Tourism Association is asking why the same mistake is being repeated on the new Għadira road? Does this mean that planners did not learn from the mistake? The Gozo tourism Association calls on all the authorities involved to seri- ously consider the traffic implications this single lane road will cause. These authorities need to consider not on- ly the commuting needs of all the Gozitans especially the employees, but also to bear in mind the timely transfers of the foreign tourists to the Malta In- ternational Airport. The Gozo Tourism Association hopes that common sense will prevail at the end, and this connectivity infrastructure is developed in a way to improve con- nectivity to and from Gozo rather than creating another constraint. Joe Muscat CEO, Gozo Tourism Association Becoming more desensitised every day LIKE many others, I start my day by visiting news sites to keep up to date with what's going on around me. In recent years, I've been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stories detail- ing rampant corruption, which slowly took away my faith in our government, and the entire political system. When powerful people don't face any mean- ingful repercussions, let alone criminal charges, it's clear that not everyone is treated the same in this country. As I head outside, it seems that even the environment around me reflects this situation. I must be careful where I walk because of how uneven the pavement is, and sometimes it's better to walk on the road to get to my bus stop. I soon find myself trying to get on a crammed bus, the only mode of transport that is available for someone that doesn't want to add yet another car to this already traffic congested island. Sure, it's free now, by what's the point when the bus system was not equipped for the demand, except to make things worse (and score some political points). On the way to my destination, I look at the cranes popping up around my area, green areas getting destroyed for the sake of building more apartment blocks (which even if I could afford, would mean that I'd need to take a loan for the rest of my life). On returning home, seeing my loved one in pain due to a cancelled surgery, I am reminded about the ongoing pub- lic health standoff between the MUMN and the government, which is causing all sorts of repercussions on patients who had already been on waiting lists for years. As all the issues pile up, I feel angry and helpless. I have sent suggestions and complaints that fall on deaf ears. I have attended protests after finishing my working day, but like many oth- er 20-somethings, I am learning that nothing ever changes, and my only choice is to either become completely desensitised from everything or leave the country in the hope of finding somewhere less corrupt and overdevel- oped. Bridget Bugeja Birżebbuġa