As the government unveiled a €14 million maritime infrastructure project in Buġibba on Wednesday evening, ADPD – The Green Party welcomed the initiative but reiterated its long-standing call for a more comprehensive shift away from car-centric transport policy.
The project, which includes a 180-metre breakwater, a secondary protective arm, and a new ferry terminal, aims to establish a sea transport link between Buġibba, Sliema, and Mġarr in Gozo. Funded in part by the European Union, the infrastructure is intended to bolster maritime mobility and reduce road congestion through improved multi-modal connectivity.
ADPD Chairperson Sandra Gauci, who also serves as a local councillor for San Pawl il-Baħar, commended the launch of the new terminal: “We welcome with satisfaction the inauguration of the new quay in San Pawl il-Baħar. We hope that through sea transport, we can soon have a viable alternative to the car, enabling travel between San Pawl, Sliema, and Gozo,” she said.
Gauci, however, stressed that the development must not be seen in isolation. “We need more of these initiatives alongside others -such as Bus Rapid Transit systems and safe routes for bicycles and Pedelecs. ADPD has long advocated for widespread multimodal solutions with the goal of reducing private car use for the benefit of all. At last, it seems we’re slowly being heard.”
The government, celebrated the project’s completion as a key milestone in its vision for an integrated national transport strategy. A call for private operators is expected soon to manage the new ferry routes, with free services along the Buġibba-Sliema route among the planned incentives to drive uptake.
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