Gozo bridge proposal draws mixed reactions

The Gozo Business Chamber and its Gozo-Malta Permanent Link Committee welcome the Goverment's announcement that it will abide by its electoral commitments towards making Gozo more accessible. 

The chamber also described the announcement that a Chinese state-owned company will be carrying out a feasibility study on a bridge between Malta and Gozo as "positive."  

The Gozo Business Chamber also welcomed the continuation of a feasibility study, partially financed by the EU, to assess a potential tunnel link between the two islands. 

"It is imperative that Government will be looking at all options to improve connectivity between the two islands, including an air link," the chamber said.

However, the Gozitan University Students organization (GUG) expressed its concern regarding the feasibility study for a bridge or tunnel between the islands, noting that these studies "should not only consider the viability of these in terms of their economical and environmental effects but also take note of their social and cultural effect."

GUG added that the air link and the fast boat services should be prioritised, while reiterating that the feasibility studies should focus on the situation of Gozo after the introduction of these services and that the need for a tunnel or bridge is still to be considered.

Meanwhile, environmental NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa expressed its concern over proposals for the building of a bridge linking Malta and Gozo.

"A bridge between Malta and Gozo would have enormous visual impact and would destroy one of the most scenic, traditional and beautiful views of the Maltese Islands so important if we are to retain our island quality and sense of identity," Din l-Art Ħelwa said.

Yesterday, the government signed a memorandum of understanding with China Communications Construction Company Limited - a company specialising in the design and construction of bridges - to conduct a detailed feasibility study on the possibility of a bridge connecting Malta and Gozo.

According to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, it was the Chinese company itself which approached the government with a proposal to carry out the study.

"The feasibility study will cost €4 million but it will be paid for by the company itself," Muscat told journalists.

He said the government was not obliged to choose this company if government decided to construct a bridge.

The government, he added, has already instructed the company that the small island of Comino - a Natura 2000 site - should be excluded from the project and the bridge should bypass Comino.