ADPD -The Green Party said that, ”yesterday Robert Abela, as is now usual in a Father Christmas-style electoral campaign, fired away in rapid succession an endless list of proposals while campaigning in Gozo.”

Green Party Deputy Secretary General Luke Caruana noted that government plans to expand the Gozo Channel fleet to five ferries. ”Will it be another repeat of the Nikolaos? Not much to be proud of.While increasing ferry capacity is, in principle, a positive step, it must be stated clearly that connectivity policy cannot be reduced to headline numbers or electoral gimmicks. Demand for crossings between the islands has grown significantly over the years, placing pressure on both Gozo Channel ferries and fast ferry services.”

He insisted that, ”The priority must therefore be to ensure that Gozitan commuters have reliable, efficient, and guaranteed access to these services. Capacity must serve the needs of Gozitans first. As regards proper facilities, the Valletta Terminal has not been repaired yet after the damage caused by Storm Harry. While in M?arr Gozo the ‘terminal’ is just a couple of temporary tents.”

Caruana went on to say that “Labour’s proposal to make ferry crossings free for all foot passengers, while welcome, does not address the real issues. It is all well and good that those who travel without their car are rewarded but it is also equally important to invest in better public transport and other sustainable and safe mobility options in Gozo. That would be the real change required. It has unfortunately not been addressed.”

ADPD-The Green Party Chairperson Sandra Gauci said that, ”at the same time, the government’s broader vision for Gozo remains deeply contradictory. On one hand, it speaks of improving connectivity; on the other, it continues to promote overdevelopment that threatens the very character and sustainability of the island. The construction of the airstrip, an unnecessary and environmentally damaging project, reflects a short-term, speculative approach rather than a coherent vision for Gozo’s future.”

Ms Gauci concluded by saying, ”ADPD has consistently argued for policies making Gozo a sustainable island, prioritising quality of life, protecting its rural and natural environment, and supporting a resilient local economy rather than mass tourism and unchecked construction. ADPD in Parliament will insist that the Gozo airstrip plans are cancelled once and for all.”

Permalink: ”Father Christmas promises will not make Gozo a better place” – ADPD