Government, opposition argue on Chinese company blacklisting

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat in a statement to Parliament this evening spoke on the options being considered by the government to improve links between Malta and Gozo. His statement was greeted with a series of questions by the Opposition as to why the government had engaged a Chinese company blacklisted by the World Bank to carry out a feasibility study on a possible bridge. Dr Muscat said one of the most immediate possibilities was the introduction of a fast ferry service between Valletta and Mgarr. This would be a scheduled service which would be part-funded by the government through a public service obligation agreement. The government was also working on complaints about the poor bus service from Cirkewwa, with buses leaving before the ferries arrived. Furthermore, one had to wonder why students going to the University were taken to the airport first on the buses. The government was also considering a scheduled helicopter or fixed wing service between Malta and Gozo. The latter might require an extension of the helipad at Xewkija to serve as a runway. Part of that extension could be turf. Financial and environmental factors were being considered. No decisions had been taken...