No sound on airstrip

Despite the many letters and appeals, most coming from people in the know, the present Administration, with an election around the corner, keeps burying its head in the sand.

As recently as January 30, Victor G. Mercieca, in a letter to the editor, presented a most interesting plan of what could be a perfect airstrip for Gozo. Some months ago Roy Perry submitted a similar plan incorporating all the necessary infrastructure that is already in place at the helipad facilities.

The Gozo Tourist Association, Gozo Business Chamber and most other Gozitans know that Gozo's future depends on sustainable tourism. We all know that an airstrip is a must. Sooner or later it will be done, but by whom?

The seaplane service with its limited schedule does not meet the requirements of a point-to-point land-based air service. Being without such a service Gozo is lagging behind in the tourism sector. The multiplier effect of a land-based airstrip is enormous in job creation and the embellishment of the area, which at present looks more like a big rubbish dump.

Unfortunately Labour still eyes the helicopter service as the only air service suitable for the inter-island air connection. At least they have that in mind. Up to the time of writing the Nationalist Party has kept mum on the subject, despite the many letters and opinions. This is a gross injustice to the many Gozitans who would like to hear a clear-cut yes or no.