Student organisation Pulse has reacted to the formation of a Front in favour of the proposal to construct a tunnel between Malta and Gozo.
Pulse said in a statement that as has been the organisation's position throughout the past years, it once again reiterated its consistent backing of such a proposal and subsequently, "congratulates the group of committed University students who have set up this Movement in order to lobby for its actuation."
"Pulse believes that the voice of the Gozitan population can no longer be ignored, it is time for Gozitans' will to be respected and for the authorities to react to the momentum created by establishing clear timelines and targets for the project to develop in a sustainable, efficient manner."
In this regard, Pulse added that it "understands the environmental concerns of several citizens, and agrees that an independent sustainability assessment should be drawn."
The organisation said that despite considerable economic and social progress, the sister island still faces a number of obstacles and challenges, chief among which is that of double insularity due to lack of accessibility alternatives.
"Throughout the past years, a number of suggestions have surfaced, including the introduction of a fast-ferry service which would considerably reduce the travel time."
"Though this would indeed be a step forward, several studies, including a recent survey conducted by the Gozo University Group (GUG) have made it clear that the majority of Gozitans, especially students, are in favour of a long-term approach towards facilitating access between the islands."
Pulse said that it would like to stress once again on the need for a holistic economic strategy for Gozo. "It would be mistaken to believe that the solutions to job creation and economic diversification on the island depend entirely on the realisation of this project."
The organisation concluded by saying that while a permanent link would indeed alleviate the shortcomings in terms of physical accessibility, much more needs to be done to strengthen Gozo's potential to attract investment. In this respect, "Pulse will continue to insist on the need for more incentives to attract jobs as well as education opportunities for young Gozitans."