Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1524527
7 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 26 JULY 2024 OPINION GOZO and mainland Malta are separated by only three and a half nautical miles of Mediterranean Sea. But for Gozitans, this short distance means a lot. It gives Gozo a separate physical identity but also means additional disadvantages including cost and time lost. Successive administrations have in- vested on connectivity, yet it remains a major challenge. Historically reliant on boat crossing and now on ferry services, the island's accessibility has long been a source of debate and development plans, with several suggestions being considered to connect Gozo to Malta in a better and more reliable manner. At present, the primary mode of trans- portation to Gozo from mainland Mal- ta is via ferry services operated by Gozo Channel Company, a government owned company which runs a reliable service. Gozo Channel was established in 1979, to maintain, develop, and operate a sea transport service to and from Malta, Gozo and elsewhere, by transporting passengers, freight, and mail, while serve the national economy and interest Gozo and its residents. Gozo Channel operates four vessels that run between Ċirkewwa in Malta and Mġarr in Gozo, carrying both passengers and vehicles. While the service is frequent and reli- able, we also acknowledge the fact that it is not without its limitations. Adverse weather conditions, while not wide- spread, can disrupt the services, leaving commuters stranded. Acknowledging the fact that improve- ment in connectivity is a must, in 2021, the government launched a fast ferry service between Valletta and Mġarr, offering a quicker alternative for foot passengers. This service has been well-received for its speed and con- venience, where the traveling time be- tween the two destinations is of around 45 minutes. However, we understand that there is an ongoing demand for more robust and reliable connectivity solutions. According to the latest data issued by the National Statistic Office, 693,361 passengers made use of this service in 2023, an increase of 45.6% compared to the previous year. Future Plans In our electoral manifesto, presented for the 2022 general election, we vowed to improve connectivity, and we are working on multiple fronts to make this happen One of our main proposals was that to convert the Gozo Heliport facility, which currently is only used in cases of emergency by the air ambulance heli- copter, into a 445-meter rural airstrip for short take-off and landing fixed- wing aircraft. The aim is to introduce a reliable and scheduled fixed wing con- nectivity between Gozo and the Malta International Airport. Furthermore, we are envisaging to create new economic niches in Gozo related to the aviation sector to diversi- fy the island's economy while creating high end and sustainable jobs. We are also exploring avenues to im- prove and expand the existing ferry services. The plan is to increase the frequency of ferries, especially during peak hours, and introduce more envi- ronmentally friendly and modern ves- sels. Upgrading the infrastructure at the ferry ports to handle higher volumes of passengers and vehicles more efficient- ly is also being considered even though this poses environmental challenges that must be considered and studied. We acknowledge that the activities and demands for the Mġarr Harbour has outgrown its current capacity. Better organisation and some rethinking need to be explored with some urgency. Improving connectivity to Gozo is still key to the island's socio-economic development and the well-being of its residents. While Gozo Channel ferry services remain vital, we must look for better solutions and options. The fast ferry service is one of such solutions but there are more to explore. Hopeful- ly, the Gozo Rural Airfield project will soon get the necessarily approval so the infrastructural work can start. Each proposal carries its own set of benefits and challenges, and the path forward will necessitate careful as- sessment of environmental impacts, economic feasibility, and the preser- vation of Gozo's unique character. As discussions and planning with various stakeholders continue, the goal for the Ministry for Gozo and Planning remains clear; to ensure that Gozo re- mains accessible, thriving, and true to its identity. Connectivity to Gozo: present and future Clint Camileri is Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri 693,361 passengers made use of the Gozo fast ferry service in 2023 We are envisaging to create new economic niches in Gozo related to the aviation sector to diversify the island's economy while creating high end and sustainable jobs