The Gozo Business Chamber has called for the discussion of the permanent link between Malta and Gozo to be “reconsidered.”

It said that this follows the adverse weather conditions of the past few days which have continued to show how “accessibility remains at the core of Gozo’s present and future.”

The Chamber acknowledged the work of Gozo Channel workers, police, civil protection, medics, and other public officers who despite the adverse weather conditions across the islands ensured the provision of emergency services, and the safety of all concerned.

The Chamber stressed that the adverse weather conditions have shown Gozo’s dependency on one mode of transport which has seen Gozo cut out completely from the rest of the world. People were stranded, and flights and appointments were missed because our sole mode of transport between the two islands could not operate.”

The Chamber said that it was the “main promoter” of the permanent link project ensuring its inclusion in the country ‘s policy agenda. The same Gozo Regional Development Strategy, issued in 2023, highlighted the need to reexamine this project.

GBC noted that this week also marked the launch of the Task Force that will focus on the accessibility of Mgarr Harbour and on Gozo’s accessibility in general.

The Chamber said it is part of this Task Force and will provide its contribution within this body, describing it as an “important milestone and a tool for the implementation of important actions which should ensure that the criticalities of Mgarr harbour are addressed, and the necessary infrastructural works are undertaken to complement the planned expansion of the Gozo Channel fleet.”

The Chamber stressed that “one project does not exclude another. The planned expansion of the Gozo Channel fleet and the permanent link project would complement each other, strengthening the island’s resilience.”

The Gozo Business Chamber concluded by saying that “positive steps had been taken in the past, and a lot of work had already been undertaken. To this end the Chamber believes that the subject merits a serious and transparent discussion, one that would ultimately ensure a more resilient Gozo.”

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