The Nationalist Party has said in a statement, that it notes recent media reports on the concerns of the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability – about the level of accessibility offered on the fourth Gozo Channel ferry, the Nikolaos.

The PN explained that this concern reflects the “plight of a category of people with difficulties in their mobility, or because of disability, age or health, that have complained in particular of the lack of a lift, the number of stairs and the inconvenience and danger caused by the fact that one must necessarily pass through a vehicle area.”

“While the fourth ship was needed for better connectivity to all Gozitans, every passenger has the right to travel with dignity on the vessels,” said the PN.

“It is therefore absolutely necessary that Gozo Channel or the Government provide a clear explanation of how long the Nikolaos will be operating for and what plans there are to provide a satisfactory level of accessibility, or replace to it with another ship,” the PN said.

The Opposition said that it also notes increasing complaints from the public on the terminal in Cirkewwa, particularly from those individuals with difficulties in their mobility.

There are often times when the side ramp is not functioning and passengers are asked to board or leave from the vehicle ramp. “This is creating a situation on lack of accessibility as well as being dangerous,” the Opposition said.

The PN concluded by calling for the problem to be addressed so that the side ramp in Cirkewwa always functions correctly.

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