The Gozo Business Chamber (GBC) has welcomed the announcement that four offers have been received with respect to the Gozo tunnel project, saying that “this project is necessary now more than ever.”

In a statement it said that,”despite the current economic climate this project generated considerable interest, considering also that all construction and maintenance costs would be borne by the winning bidder.”

The GBC stressed the fact that “the project is necessary if Gozo is to continue moving forward and be an important contributor to the national economy.”

“Though there have been many significant developments in the past years, Gozo was not in a position to participate fully in the national economy, mainly due to issues related to accessibility,” the Chamber said.

Athough, in favour of all forms of accessibility, the GBC highlighted the fact that “the link between the two islands will be a permanent one, would ensure the required peace of mind to current potential investors and those who would like to live in Gozo permanently while working on the main island of Malta.”

Gozo moreover can specialise in particular segments of the economy, as accessibility between the two islands will no longer be a concern, the Chamber said.

However, the GBC stressed that this project “should not in any way impinge on Gozo’s environment.”

The Chamber reiterated that “this project should be accompanied by a holistic plan ensuring the sustainable development of the island of Gozo, such as for example that the green belts between localities are retained, and that the unique character of each locality is preserved.”

The Chamber concluded by saying that it “believes that the present Outside Development Zones (ODZ) in Gozo should not be touched. Accessibility needs to be accompanied by a sustainable development approach.”

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