Malta- Gozo Proposed Tunnel/Bridge

This week at school in our English class, Mr Zammit separated the class into small groups. Every group had  different controversial subjects. Our group was about the proposed project of Malta and Gozo building a bridge or a tunnel.

We began by researching  the history of the project.  The first proposal was introduced in 1972 with the introduction being to build a bridge. Although there were many negative aspects of this proposal, one of them was that Gozo could become more congested.  As  Gozo  is known as the quieter island.  it was mentioned that if the bridge went ahead, Malta and Gozo will become one and thus only requiring one hospital, ministry, court, etc., for both Malta and Gozo.

In 2006 a tunnel was suggested.

In June 2013 a Chinese company wanted to invest 4 million on this bridge.

Research showed that during the first quarter of the year, more than a million passengers crossed from one island to the other.

Whilst researching the history of this project,  we noted the “pros and cons”(as stated by others.)

Project Disadvantage: Cost and time to build.

Current Ferry Disadvantage:  Sometimes, due to weather conditions, the ferry doesn't work. It takes a lot of time to travel from Gozo and Malta. When using the ferry everyday or even once a week, the costs can be too high.

Project Advantage: This project could bring more business to Gozo.  Also, Students and employees, will travel in less time.

Personally, I prefer the ferry because it's traditional and something not often found in other countries.

However,  I do understand those  Gozitan that work or go to school in Malta and have to  travel once a week or even daily.

There were also suggestions of improving the ferry service.  This might solve the problem of building the tunnel or bridge and is a consideration of lower cost fee of the ferry. 

Reference:
times of malta, 2016. Tunnel linking Malta to Gozo most viable option – Muscat; 'Queue' of consortia interested in project. [online] Available at: < http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20160416/local/tunnel-linking-malta-to-gozo-most-viable-option-muscat.609005> [Accessed 8 January 2017].

times of malta, 2015. Gozo: bridge plan shelved, focus will be on tunnel. [online] Available at: < http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20151012/local/gozo-bridge-plan-shelved-focus-will-be-on-tunnel.587961> [Accessed 8 January 2017].

in dependent, 2016. Government intends moving forward with Malta-Gozo link, but all options open - PM[online] Available at: < http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2016-04-16/local-news/Tunnel-linking-Malta-and-Gozo-needs-national-consensus-Simon-Busuttil-6736156405> [Accessed 8 January 2017].