Editorial | A non-sequitur: Ditching the Gozo tunnel for an airfield

The recently published Gozo Regional Development Strategy effectively spells the death knell to plans for a Gozo-Malta undersea tunnel.

In a single line, the document states that the permanent link needs to be “reconsidered and its cost benefit trade-off re-examined”. In other words, the tunnel project is dead in the water.

So far, whenever questioned on what has happened to the tunnel plans, government’s standard reply has always been that plans submitted by several bidders were being studied. It seems now that the whole idea of having a tunnel link between the two islands is being scrapped altogether.

Having a change of heart on such a major project is not out of this world. But one would have expected a stronger explanation to justify the U-turn, given the political capital government has invested in the project – it was an electoral pledge and on several occasions Robert Abela made public commitments his government will see the project through.

Unfortunately, the reasoning outlined in the strategy document for this major change in policy direction is incomprehensible at the very least and downright stupid at most.

The reconsideration of the tunnel project, according to the document, is the result of a planned expansion of the Gozo heliport by extending the runway to make it possible for small fixed-wing aircraft to land. The eventual airfield, which is awaiting consideration by the Planning Authority, will provide a permanent air link between Gozo and Malta.

This leader believes this reasoning to be flawed. An air link between Gozo and Malta is not a substitute for a permanent road link between both islands.

First of all, experience has repeatedly shown that an air ferry service between the islands – two helicopter services and a seaplane service all shut down after some time – is not commercially viable. The cost to operate it is too high and there is no critical mass to enable operators to drive down the price. It will be simply too costly for ordinary workers to catch a plane to Malta from Gozo and vice versa.

An airfield in Gozo has other potential uses that could be of benefit to the island’s economy though. It could serve to attract certain top-dollar clientele, who will not shy away from using private jets for their travel needs. It could also serve as a base for flying schools and companies specialising in drone technology. But an airfield will not serve the daily commute needs of ordinary Gozitans and visitors.

On the contrary, a tunnel would have offered a permanent link that could be used by anyone wanting to cross the channel for work or pleasure, come rain or shine. The tunnel would have made it easier for companies based in Gozo to attract workers from Malta. It would have also made it possible for the general hospital that has to be built on Gozo to service the needs of localities in the north of Malta thus easing pressure on Mater Dei.

Admittedly, the tunnel project would have come with a high price tab and an impact on the natural environment at its entrances in Malta and Gozo. The Gozo Tourism Association had also criticised the tunnel plans because it argued the island would lose its charm as a result of increased traffic and urbanisation.

These valid concerns were never properly addressed let alone studied in depth. Indeed, to this day it is unclear whether the Environmental Impact Studies that had to be carried out were ever conducted.

Now we are left with a single policy statement calling for the proposal to be ‘reconsidered and re-examined’. It is a pity such a project had to be shelved in this way.

Adequate connectivity between the islands is important for Gozo’s development, even if construed as an ‘island of villages’ in the strategy.

Gozo requires investment in modern infrastructure to cater for its residents’ needs. This does not mean it should lose its uniqueness and charm.

In the absence of a permanent road link between the islands, the only plausible alternative for ordinary commuters will be the sea ferry service as it has always been.

Government must consider expanding the fast ferry service to incorporate stops at St Paul’s Bay and St Julian’s to enable multiple point-to-point connections between Mġarr and other localities in Malta.

It must also think of expanding Mġarr Harbour to enable more boats to berth. The strategy identifies Mġarr Harbour as multimodal and logistics hub for Gozo and proposes that its expansion should be studied from a wide socio-economic and environmental perspective.

This leader agrees with an expansion of Gozo’s only commercial seaport, especially if the sea link between the islands remains the only connectivity option on the table for ordinary workers and visitors.