Shadow Minister for Gozo, Frank Anthony Tabone, has insisted that ”Gozitans deserve modern and permanent connectivity, not more temporary fixes.”
In a statement, he argued that Gozitans have long been waiting for a permanent, modern and reliable solution to their connectivity with Malta. ”They cannot continue being offered temporary fixes and patchwork measures instead of a long-term vision.”
”Today’s call for tenders [1] issued by the Government for the lease of a fourth Gozo Channel vessel, while recognising the need for greater capacity, also confirms that after 13 years in government, Labour still does not have a permanent plan to address one of Gozo’s most crucial challenges,” Tabone said.
He called on the Government to explain whether the conditions of this call will attract genuine competition, how much this lease will cost the Maltese and Gozitan people, and, above all, what concrete plan it has to permanently modernise the Gozo Channel fleet.
The Nationalist Party ”has long insisted that Gozo’s connectivity is essential national infrastructure and must be given the highest priority. Gozo needs a fourth vessel, but above all it needs long-term investment, serious planning and modern vessels capable of delivering a quality service,” stated Tabone.
The Shadow Minister concluded by saying that ”’the Opposition will continue working to strengthen connectivity between Malta and Gozo through a modern fleet that is adequate for today’s and tomorrow’s needs, while urging the Government to stop dragging its feet on an issue that is so fundamental for Gozitan families and businesses.”
File photo: GozoNews/Alain Salvary