GozoNews.Com

Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson Dr. Harry Vassallo said that “AD gladly welcomes the news that the air link between Gozo and Malta is to be restored by May.” AD is asking the authorities and those concerned in this venture to explore other venues for the seaplane landing in Gozo. Rather than concentrating all commuting services from Mgarr harbour, one needs to explore the possibility of developing the harbour in Marsalforn.

Mr.Victor Galea, AD’s Secretary General and spokesperson for Gozo said that “Marsalforn has developed into one of Gozo’s most popular sea resorts. It is well serviced by restaurants, shops, and diving centers. Structural works on the existing Marsalforn breakwater can facilitate the smooth landing of the seaplane.”

Mr.Galea also mentioned that “the government should stop thinking in the short term and thus incorporate a reform in public transport in Gozo. It would be useless transporting tourists to a resort without convenient and reliable public transport. Mini-bus services should be available frequently from the seaplane landing area to and from various parts of the island. The same could be said for those landing in Gozo from the ferry after seven in the evening. Not even a bus service is available from Mgarr to Victoria”. Mr.Galea also suggested that “it would be ideal if the Seaplane also takes off from the Malta International Airport directly to Gozo, so that it caters for those who come from abroad and wish to go directly to Gozo”.

Mr.Galea has also reminded the general public that “AD also believes that there should be a direct link between Gozo and Sicily, both by air and by sea, so that Gozo’s tourism can achieve a higher level of autonomy, and continue being an ideal destination place.”

The Gozo Regional Committee of AD has also applauded the news report that a seaplane passenger service will be operating between the Grand Harbour in Valletta and Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. It also welcomes the free courtesy shuttle bus that will operate between the airport and Grand Harbour. Mr.John Mizzi, AD councilor in Sannat said that “we reiterate the urgent need to for the provision of a shuttle bus service to and from the airport to Cirkewwa and preferably to the terminal in Mgarr and finishing in Victoria.”

Dr.Harry Vassallo concluded by saying “Whilst AD applauds this initiative, and encourages this service to be accompanied by a major overhaul of public transportation in Gozo, we also urge the Government to state what its intentions are with regards to an airstrip in Gozo. So far there are no concrete plans for such an airstrip, but it seems that pressure is mounting to get an airstrip approved by next summer. AD’s main preoccupation is that plans for such an airstrip will be drafted quickly, and there will be little time left for public scrutiny on this project, if any at all. AD reiterates its position in favour of transparency and a serious and fair public consultation on projects of this scale.”