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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 14 MAY 2017 4 News Gozo tunnel possible by 2025 YANNICK PACE PRIME Minister Joseph Muscat has said he expects a proposed tunnel between Malta and Gozo to be ready in "seven to eight years" if the project goes according to plan. It will be one of the most con- troversial infrastructural projects of the decade to come, with envi- ronmental NGOs already smarting at the proposal, which enjoys the backing of both political parties since it was originally mooted back in 2012. Muscat was speaking at a press conference outlining the results of a social impact assessment carried out on the proposed tunnel link between Gozo and Malta. He said Labour was committed to the project, which has already been subjected to various feasi- bility studies, and a cost-benefit analysis by economist Gordon Cordina. The project is being strongly pushed by the Gozo Business Chamber. In January 2016, Norwegian experts were commissioned to provide technical expertise on the project, while meetings with the Environment and Resources Agency (ERA) and the Planning Authority (PA) were held in antici- pation of applications for permits being submitted for investigative coring studies to start. In October 2016, an agreement was signed with the University of Malta for geological and geophysi- cal studies for the conceptual de- sign of the tunnel, with an expres- sion of interest issued in the same month. This was followed by seismic in- vestigations in November to de- termine what the seabed between Malta and Gozo was like and how this would impact the project. Muscat said the government had also held discussions on the pos- sibility of finding archaeological remains on the seabed, which he added would need to be "preserved in the best way possible". Last March the University pre- sented its first report from the seis- mic investigations and in April the ERA and PA outlined the terms of reference and general permitting requirements for the 'design, build, maintain and operate' tender. EU rules allow an appeal to be lodged up until the end of May on permits for coring to begin, but if this doesn't happen digging can start, Muscat said. Muscat insisted that the project was feasible and that it should hap- pen. "We believe we have the cred- ibility to carry out massive projects like this," he said. "We can't keep Gozo waiting for the project how- ever, and in the meantime, if elect- ed, we will issue the tender to start operating the fast-ferry service. Sensitive issues Muscat said that while studies are being carried out and the develop- ments on the tunnel were ongoing, there were still sensitive issues that needed to be discussed. One such issue was where in Malta and Gozo the tunnel would emerge. "It's not a matter of the tunnel starting at Mgarr and ending in Cirkewwa," he said. "It's a lot more complicated than that. There are certain road gradients that must be considered." Muscat said he was convinced there would be great international interest in the tender. "We have already been approached, however we said there would be a tender and chose not to enter into nego- tiations," Muscat said, insisting that no estimated cost would be given for the project so as not to undermine the tendering process. "We would like those applying to compete on price," he added. Muscat also said the Italian, Spanish, Turkish and Chinese governments – all of which "have specialised companies" that can take on the project – had already been in contact with the Maltese government. On the operation of the tunnel, Muscat said the intention was for the cost of using the tunnel to be similar to that of the current Gozo ferry. "A government led by me would consider either paying for the project or having it built by the private sector in exchange for the chosen company to be given an operating contract." Social impact assessment Sociologist Marvin Formosa, who carried out the social impact assessment, said that Gozo was an island that suffered from "double insularity", being geographically distant from Malta's economic centre. Among the factors which made the need for better connectivity with Malta a more pressing issue, was the fact that the island had an ageing population and its economy was to a large extent dependent on tourism, he said. "The goal of the assessment was to analyse perceptions about the project among different stakehold- ers… The analysis shows that a tunnel would lead to a 'manageable increase' in the island's population which would mainly be due to the fact that several Gozitan families would choose to remain in Gozo. "In addition to this, a tunnel would make it possible for Mal- tese families to spend more time in Gozo during the summer months without having to disrupt their work routine," he said. Another advantage was the re- sulting increase in Gozo's social capital, making it more possi- ble for Gozitans to participate in events held in Malta. As part of his study, Formosa carried out a survey among 250 Gozitans which found that 82% of respondents were in favour of the tunnel. Younger respondents favoured the project more than older re- spondents. A similar trend was observed with those attaining a higher level of education and those in employment, favouring the pro- ject. Among the perceived advantages were an increase in Gozo's eco- nomic capital, quality jobs, and increased time with one's family. 4.4% of the survey's respondents said there were no advantages to the tunnel while 46.6% said they could not think of any disadvan- tages. Most of the negative perceptions were related to the environmental impact of the tunnel, said Formo- sa. ypace@mediatoday.com.mt CALL FOR FULL-TIME BILINGUAL RESEARCH AND RESOURCES LEADERS WITHIN THE NATIONAL LITERACY AGENCY Jobsplus: 245/2017 The National Literacy Agency, within the Ministry for Education and Employment, is seeking to recruit Bilingual Research and Resource Leaders to work within the Language in Education Resource Unit. The eligibility criteria for this post are: • • Applicants must, at the closing date of receipt of applications, have a recognised degree, in Maltese and/or English at MQF Level 6; • All applicants must have at least 3 years proven relevant work experience, in one or more of the following: education, linguistics, translation, research and statistics; • All applicants must be in possession of an Advanced level certificate in Maltese and/or English or equivalent unless in possession of a first degree in both languages; • All applicants must possess an ECDL certificate in Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Database and presentation or a recognised appropriate comparable qualification. Candidates Candidates should submit their letter of application, together with a summary of qualifications and experience in a European Curriculum Vitae Format, a copy of their relevant scanned certificates and a recent Police certificate of conduct, by email to john.b.farrugia@gov.mt or by post to Mr John Farrugia, Executive Secretary, National Curriculum Centre, Joseph Abela Scolaro Street, Hamrun, HMR 1304, by not later than Friday 26th May 2017. Applications Applications by post should be sent by registered mail, allowing for sufficient time to ensure delivery by the above deadline. Applications will be acknowledged in writing within seven days. Late applications will not be considered. Further information may be obtained from Mr John Farrugia on 2598 2997 or via email at john.b.farrugia@gov.mt PHOTO DOI - OMAR CAMILLERI Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has pledged the completion of Malta-Gozo link within eight years