Abela pledges new Malta-Gozo 'interconnector'
The prime minister also promises to modernise all of the island's schools
Robert Abela pledged to build a new electricity “interconnector” between Malta and Gozo when he spoke at a Labour Party event in Sannat on Wednesday evening.
During a sit-down interview under a marquee, Abela said the new submarine cable would be able to handle 134 Kilowatts of power and cost €45 million.
The prime minister also promised that a new Labour government would build two new energy distribution centres in Gozo and modernise all schools on the island by the end of the next legislature.
The prime minister was speaking at the end of the second full day of electoral campaigning before Malta goes to the polls on May 30.
He had earlier in the day also reiterated a number of other commitments on Gozo, including making the Gozo ferry free of charge for on-foot passengers.
He said the Labour Party in its electoral programme would present 100 proposals aimed just at Gozo.
He also listed the government’s ongoing “achievements” when it comes to Gozo.
He said that tourism in Gozo used to be a “a victim of seasonality, where the industry would stop between November and April”.
“At a meeting today someone in the industry told me that it is April and they are already working non-stop,” he said.
Abela said that the government has focused on creating high-value jobs in Gozo, including in the technology sector.
While Gozo has become an “economic motor,” he said the government plans to continue pursuing its policy of an “island of villages”. All economic development needed to be sustainable and respectful of Gozo’s characteristics, he said.
During his interventions, Abela also recalled two projects first mentioned last autumn.
They are a pledge to rebuild 100 residential roads in Gozo, and the building of two new Gozo Channel ferries - increasing the company’s total fleet to five.
During the event Labour candidates- Keith Azzopardi Tanti (an incumbent junior minister), Fleur Abela, and Anthony Agius Decelis all gave a short speech. None of the three are running in Gozo.
The Labour Party has a rule that bars candidates from featuring in events in their own districts.
The Labour Party's four MPs in Gozo, Clint Camilleri, JoEtienne Abela, Anton Refalo and Abigail Camilleri all attended the event.