Independent MEP candidate Arnold Cassola is calling for more detailed geological studies before works kick off on the proposed Gozo-Malta tunnel.
The geological study carried out so far was only a partial and preliminary one, and certainly not enough to ensure the safety of the whole project, he said during a press conference.
Dr Cassola added that it would be irresponsible to issue tenders and start the work before such detailed studies were produced, studied and discussed publicly.
For the preliminary geological study, seven holes were bored on land and only two were bored in the sea. This was not enough and more holes should be bored in the sea before any decisions can be taken on the geological feasibility of the tunnel, the MEP hopeful said.
“Geological studies have confirmed that the sea between Malta and Gozo is full of faults - a continuation of the faults present onshore in Malta. There are at least 10 faults in the seas between the two islands.”
Watch: Gozo tunnel will be built and run by the private sector
Mr Mercieca had said on Times Talk that a private contractor will have to finance the building of the Gozo-Malta tunnel and would then take over its operation for a number of years depending on its final cost.
Mr Mercieca, head of the project’s steering committee, had noted that the toll set will also depend on the cost, but he insisted that the operator would break even well before the 100-year anticipated lifespan of the tunnel.
Dr Cassola said comments by former MP Franco Mercieca that over a billion tonnes of inert waste will be used for land reclamation were a “fallacy”.
“When tunnelling, the rock will be bored and it will be reduced to dust. This means that if it were to be used for land reclamation it would cause more damage to the seabed, create more sea turbidity and allow less sunlight to pass through.”
Dr Cassola insisted that tenders could not be issued and work could not be undertaken before all geological studies, an Environmental Impact Assessment, and sociological and financial feasibility studies were completed and put up for public discussion.
“If tenders are issued without all these studies having been made public beforehand, the responsibility would not only be political but also personal,” he said.