PN committed to Gozo tunnel if studies confirm viability

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said the Nationalist Party is committed to build the tunnel connecting Malta to Gozo if the studies into the project confirm that the project is both feasible and financially viable.

Gonzi was speaking at the end of a tour around the heart of Victoria, where he met with several shopkeepers in small shops and Rabat's several retail malls.

During his address, Gonzi said that the PN's proposal to construct a tunnel between Malta and Gozo "remains a proposal that we are determined to carry forward. Once the studies confirm the preliminary analyses, we are committed to go ahead with the project."

He said that in the coming days, the final geological study will be concluded and published.

"This study will help us take the final decision. The Nationalist Government does not shy away from investing millions in this tunnel. On the other hand, Labour is proposing an energy plant that is a waste of time," Gonzi said, adding that the PL energy plan will lead to an increase in energy prices.

Pressed by the media to clarify whether the PN is committed to the project, or whether it hinges on the upcoming study, Gonzi said "the decision was made. We are committed to the tunnel, if the studies show that it is viable and financeable."

He said that so far, studies were positive, and reiterated that the last study will be published in the coming days, which deals in detail with the geology that separates the two islands.

"From there, we will be able to arrive to a position of implementation, along with the deadlines and a package that will explain the details of the project," the Prime Minister said.

Gonzi also emphasised the importance of small businesses to Gozo's economic backbone, saying that the party will be unveiling details and proposals aimed at incentivising the establishment of small businesses in Gozo that offer employment for its citizens.

Gonzi also said that a Nationalist government would be working to free up open spaces currently earmarked for large industry, for smaller industries, which include vocational trades such as carpentry, mechanics and the construction industry.

During an interview on Radio 101 less than an hour later, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi reiterated much of the Nationalist Party's criticism against the Labour Party and its recently-unveiled energy proposals.

He said that as the days wore on since the proposals were tabled, new "spectacular" flaws were being discovered daily, and insisted that more would be uncovered in the coming days.

He also repeated doubts regarding the way in which the Labour party determined its consisting, and questioned the credibility of its estimates regarding the cost of the investment the project would require.

Gonzi also said that Labour's decision to opt for ships as a source of gas means "that it is saying no to EU funding." Gonzi said that "the European Union will give us funding for an interconnector, but it will not give us funding for ships."

"The Labour party is denying you the EU funding that we will receive for building an interconnector," Gonzi told listeners. Gonzi also said that the way the PL as "undervalued" its estimates while "refusing EU funding" is "raising serious questions".

He went on to add that Gonzi that he middle-eastern country of Qatar has expressed interest in selling its gas to the rest of Europe through Malta, and despite saying that there were other similar proposals on the table, said that these would be discussed further at the opportune moment.

During the interview, Gonzi also spoke of the Nationalist administrations initiatives, schemes, and investment that benefited Gozitans.

He also reiterated earlier statements regarding the PN's commitment towards constructing the Gozo-Malta connector tunnel, and recounted his visit to Germany to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel earlier this week.