Heliport upgrading

Projects and ideas are being sought from the private sector by Parliamentary Secretary Tonio Fenech in connection with E U funding for budget 2007/2013.

Is Gozo to benefit from this? Special funds are supposed to be made available for projects partly founded by the EU. These projects are supposed to be completed by the end of 2006. The parliamentary secretary goes on to say that projects to improve the tourism product , conference facilities and those linked to the service industry could all be eligible.

The present air service linking the islands is run by a Spanish company which operates a smaller helicopter but the air ticket is exorbitant. True, there are passengers who might prefer this kind of service to any other, and can afford it, and may it long be so, but does one not think that its high time a different sort of air transport by fixed-wing aircraft is now opportune, in this year and age? Can some funding for a project of this nature be sought?

A mere extension from the present 250 metres to 500 metres is all that is needed to have a proper airstrip in place, thus enabling fixed-wing aircraft to operate and give commuters and tourists the benefit of choice. This can also be operated by the same Spanish company. The infrustructure exists, the air terminal is new and comfortable.

An upgrading of the present yacht marina with possible enlargement is also called for. Much is being spent in Malta on various projects; few if any is earmarked or can be seen to be going on in the sister island, except for the monster called Mgarr harbour project, which does not seem to see the light of day. So far, the government is just promising this and that but empty promises are not enough. The Gozitan voter is no longer naïve and empty promises will not sink deep.

One hopes that the parliamentary secretary will take note of this. This should also be taken seriously by the political parties when D Day is neigh. Gozo should not rest on its presepju concept alone.