Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1534065
3 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 4 APRIL 2025 NEWS GozoToday is a weekly newspaper focused primarily on Gozo. It hopes to serve as a source of information on business, culture, entertainment and of course current affairs. Gozo has a special charm about it but it is also a bustling Island with an identity of its own. GozoToday is published every Friday and is available to numerous outlets in Gozo and on the ferries that carry so many visitors to Gozo from Malta and beyond. GozoToday MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-Rihan San Gwann SGN 9016 EDITOR: PAUL COCKS Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: dailynews@mediatoday.com.mt Tender for fourth vessel for Gozo Channel Ltd to be published by mid-year CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 This is mainly due to the oper- ational demands of the service provided by Gozo Channel which would additionally need big infra- structural updates at the ports for very quick charging, something which may be more plausibly in the years to come. "I am also informed that such electrification may be also possi- ble on the existing three vessels that Gozo Channel currently op- erates on diesel fuel," Camilleri told this newspaper. The minister announced in Par- liament this week that the gov- ernment will issue a tender for the construction of a new Gozo Channel ferry by mid-year. He said that Gozo Channel's chairman was directed to initiate the process of tender drafting in order to enable the company to have a new vessel which would replace the current leased MV Nikolaos. The primary goal is to secure a new vessel that meets the specific needs of the inter island connec- tivity, he said. Currently, the Gozo Channel fleet consists of four ferries, three of which — Ta' Pinu, Gaudos, and Malita — are owned by the government. The fourth vessel, the Greek-owned Nikolaus, has been leased since 2019 as a tem- porary measure until a new ferry could be commissioned. Whilst the leasing of the MV Nikolaos enabled the company to increase significantly the num- ber of trips, cut waiting times and enable a continuous service between the islands 24/7, it was never planned to have this lease ad eternum. "Additionally, whilst the said vessel is compatible with the Mġarr and Ċirkewwa ports, something which I am informed is extremely difficult to find from the available pool of ves- sels around the globe, a number of other shortcomings especially accessability and age, makes its permanent lease or use not in the best interest of the country," Camilleri said. "Hence, the decision to kick start the procurement process in order to acquire a new vessel to serve the inter island convention- al connectivity for the long run." He saud that, as outlined by the Ministry for Transport, options are being explored to introduce alternative routes specifically for cargo. This initiative aims to enhance service efficiency, reduce waiting times, and optimise the use of fa- cilities while minimising environ- mental impact. EU funds In March, Nationalist Party MEP Peter Agius organised a national conference to highlight various EU funds available to improve inter-island connectiv- ity. "Gozo is a vital asset to Europe, and as such, it is important to urgently address the island's con- nectivity and infrastructure chal- lenges," said PN MEP Peter Agius during a speech at a national con- ference he organised on Saturday at the Kempinski Hotel. The MEP mentioned that many Gozitan families have raised con- cerns about the lack of reliable and efficient connectivity be- tween Gozo and Malta, stressing that transportation improve- ments are essential for unlocking the island's full potential. He referred to a report he com- missioned in November, he high- lighted both encouraging and alarming findings. "It is alarming that up to five different paths exist to fund new ferries for improved Gozitan connectivity, yet none have been utilized," Agius said. He stressed that the ideas and funding opportunities are avail- able, but the next step is to cre- ate synergies between the pri- vate sector and decision-makers. "What we need now is to forge synergies between the private sector and decision-makers to chart the way ahead, especially for Gozo," Agius concluded, urg- ing a collaborative approach to secure the island's future devel- opment. SCHOOLS, public entities, NGOs, businesses, and individ- uals were recognised for their outstanding contributions to waste reduction during the 12th edition of the Malta Waste Re- duction Awards. Organised by WasteServ as part of the Eu- ropean Week for Waste Re- duction, the awards celebrate impactful initiatives aimed at fostering a more sustainable ap- proach to waste management. WasteServ, which organises these awards every year, award- ed a total of €22,000 in prizes to the winners who were selected by a panel of experts. This year's edition focused on food waste and its environmental impact, encouraging participants to present actions that promote reducing, reusing, and recycling waste to raise awareness on these crucial issues. Minister for the Environment, Miriam Dalli, praised the par- ticipants for their creativity and commitment. "Once again, we have seen many innovative initiatives by different stakeholders that not only raise environmental aware- ness but also strengthen a sense of community. These actions engaged families, students, and clients, creating a ripple effect of positive change," she said. "I am particularly pleased to witness so many schools taking part as the younger generation is leading the way towards a more sustainable future." WasteServ CEO Richard Bilocca emphasised the impor- tance of such events in pro- moting waste prevention and sustainability. "These achieve- ments deserve recognition, as they continue to inspire individ- uals and organisations to prior- itise waste reduction. Through collective efforts, we are driving the country towards a more cir- cular economy, where resources are used more efficiently," re- marked Mr Bilocca. Special recognition was given to Regional Councils for their continued efforts in advancing waste management strategies in their respective localities. The top three Regions awarded were the Port Regional Council, the Gozo Regional Council, and the Western Regional Council.t Winners announced for 12th edition of the Malta Waste Reduction Awards Environment minister Miriam Dalli (left) with some of the winners (Photo: DOI) MEP Peter Agius