Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542776
4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 23 JANUARY 2026 NEWS CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 According to the GTA, a fixed- wing aircraft service connecting Gozo to Malta International Air- port (MIA) would serve as a vital infrastructural safeguard during periods of adverse sea condi- tions. With the necessary planning permissions now in place, the GTA is urging the immediate commencement of works on the proposed rural airfield at Ta' Lambert. The GTA also warned similar extreme weather events are like- ly to become more frequent as a result of climate change. Such conditions, it said, not only dis- rupt inter-island travel but also pose serious risks to low-lying coastal communities. During the recent storm, seaside localities including Marsalforn and Xlendi experienced flooding. Both areas already have ap- proved master plans, with the Marsalforn plan including the construction of a breakwater. The association is calling on the relevant authorities to be- gin preparations for this project, which would provide shelter for the bay, protect catering estab- lishments and residences along the seafront, and offer an alter- native port to Mġarr Harbour during severe weather. The Gozo Tourism Associa- tion also expressed its gratitude to Gozo Channel employees who continued operating under extremely challenging condi- tions last Monday. It likewise thanked staff from the Ministry for Gozo and Plan- ning, as well as members of the Police Force and the Civil Pro- tection Department, for their efforts in clearing debris and restoring order in the storm's aftermath. GTA is urges immediate commencement of works on the proposed rural airfield at Ta' Lambert Debris in a field in Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem, Gozo (photo: Kevin Cauchi/Ghajnsielem local council) CONTINUES PAGE 1 Mizzi, who moved to Gozo five years ago, praised the fre- quency and affordability of current inter-island services, calling them "exceptional by international standards." He noted that government invest- ment over recent years had been "game changers" for con- nectivity, but said plans for a permanent link appear to have stalled amid ongoing debate. While acknowledging that severe weather disruptions are rare, Mizzi warned that when they occur the consequences can be serious, particularly for people whose health or lives may be at risk. He criticized opposition to a permanent link based on concerns over iden- tity or charm, emphasizing that improved infrastructure does not necessarily replace existing ferry services. "Differ- ent modes of transport should complement each other to en- sure resilience and reliability," he said. Mizzi rejected the idea that Gozo's identity depends on isolation, arguing it is shaped by its people, culture, environ- ment, and policy choices, not physical separation. He urged policymakers to approach the debate with greater empathy and seriousness, noting that resilience "is not something we improvise in moments of crisis. It is something we design de- liberately, in advance." 'The debate has been going on since before I was born' Prior to the storm, MaltaTo- day interviewed GRDA CEO Ivan Falzon, who highlighted the long-standing debate over a permanent connection. "The discussion on a per- manent link has been going on since before I was born," he said, noting the difference between perceptions during calm and stormy conditions. "If you go to Mġarr today [the interview was conducted on a stormy day when the Gozo Channel ships took the longer route behind Comino to shield from the waves], I think the majority would agree with a permanent link. In summer, when Gozo is full of people and the sea is calm, they would say they're satisfied and don't need it." Falzon stressed that the GR- DA's position focuses on en- hancing accessibility. "I was, am, and will remain in favour of a permanent link. Person- ally, no matter how hard I try to think about it, a permanent link remains the principal vein that would connect us to Mal- ta." He also noted that short- term improvements could alle- viate some challenges, pointing to the fast ferry service in Valletta and the addition of a fourth ferry. "We can organ- ise the Mġarr and Ċirkewwa ports better. The fast ferry has a booking system. I've always believed a booking system on the Gozo Channel ferries can help people plan their journey and reduce queues during peak times." Last week, The Gozo Ministry had announced that the Gozo Channel would receive two new ferries in 2029. One ferry will carry 250 vehicles and cost €65 million, intended for peak traffic hours. The other will carry 75 vehicles and cost €45 million. Current vessels in the fleet carry 150 vehicles. The company's existing three ships will also undergo a €20 million upgrade over six years. GRDA CEO says debate on permeant link has been going on since before he was born Civil Protect working on one of the many fallen trees during the storm (Photo: Civil Protect Malta/Facebook)