Gozo needs investment in ferries, power and public services, Frank Anthony Tabone says

PN Shadow Minister for Gozo Frank Anthony Tabone has called for greater investment in Gozo’s infrastructure and public services, highlighting concerns over transport, healthcare, public security and the island’s electricity network.

Transport and connectivity

Tabone highlighted congestion at Mġarr port, where access is restricted by a single bottleneck street. He said investment is needed, including consideration of an alternative smaller port and better tunnel and road connections to ease traffic.

He also raised concerns regarding accessibility on Gozo Channel vessels, pointing to the Nikolaos, which does not have a lift for disabled passengers. He also said the luggage service is no longer available and should be addressed. A baggage service had previously operated on the Malta-Gozo route.


Tabone said new vessels should be subject to tenders, with EU funding used for their procurement.

Gozo Channel issued a competitive call for tenders in June for the chartering of a fourth vessel to operate on the Malta-Gozo route, with the vessel expected to replace the Nikolaos.

In September, Gozo Channel received two offers for the temporary replacement. The temporary charter is intended to remain in place until the company purchases two new vessels.

EU funding has also been identified as a possible source for a fourth Gozo ferry, with the Nationalist Party saying Malta can apply for EU funding for the vessel.

Regarding the Fast Ferry service, Tabone described it as a success but said it requires more frequent trips and better protection from rain and the sun. He also called for a permanent solution to gaps in the morning schedule. 


Tabone also raised the issue of priority boarding on both the Fast Ferry and Gozo Channel, saying regular commuters travelling for health, education and work face long waiting times. He also said that an allocation system should be introduced for commercial trucks and vans; this would prevent them from waiting in queues for hours.

Gozo projects and infrastructure


Tabone highlighted Gozo’s deep historical roots and the need for proper investment in infrastructure supporting everyday commuters.

He pointed to several pending projects, including the Marsalforn breakwater, the transition of court services and the Rabat Museum, which began in 2016 and remains incomplete.


He also referred to road works in Nadur and Qala and on the Marsalforn-Rabat main road.

Electricity network

Tabone also raised concerns about Gozo’s electricity grid and the vulnerabilities exposed by the power failures experienced during the summer.


He said investment in the electrical cables was roughly 25 years old and linked this to the system failures and outages experienced during the summer. He stressed the need for better contingency planning so that, if a major failure occurs again in Gozo, backup systems, such as generators, are already in place. 


He said this would ensure reliability locally rather than requiring authorities to scramble to respond after a major failure.

Public security

Tabone said the summer increase in Gozo’s population has brought additional strains, including drug-related issues, a lack of enforcement and swimming safety concerns for tourists.


He said Gozo’s police force and emergency services, including the Rapid Intervention Unit, Armed Forces and Civil Protection Department, require greater investment. He also highlighted a lack of specialised vehicles and manpower.

Healthcare

Tabone called for the budget to prioritise upgrades to hospital equipment, resolving waiting lists and queues, and addressing shortages of doctors and support personnel. As well as recommending that the Rabat Health Centre operate on a 24-hour basis as it is the only alternative to Gozo General Hospital.