The Malta Maritime Authority today announced that Phase A of the Mġarr Ferry Terminal project is in time to take the heavy influx of passengers and traffic expected to commute between Malta and Gozo during the coming Easter period.

The announcement was made during a media visit at the Mgarr ferry terminal. Media were addressed by Hon. Censu Galea, Minister for Competitiveness and Communications, the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, and Dr. Marc Bonello, Chairman of the Malta Maritime Authority.

Addressing the media, MMA Chairman Dr Marc Bonello said “we are delighted to announce that Phase A of this project has been completed as planned, within the stipulated timeframes and notwithstanding the series of difficulties that had to be faced throughout the construction works at Mġarr Harbour, particularly due to persistent harsh weather conditions throughout the past winter months. This resulted in a significant number of man-days lost that had to be made up for by the contractor and MMA’s management team.

Phase A in Mgarr involved in the construction of the underground car park, the construction and finishing (including all services) of the marshalling area, the construction of new ramps and an exit road that connects the ferry vessel exit to port entrance and the construction of the sub-station/switch room complex.

Dr Bonello also announced that in the coming days, the new marshalling area and the new car park will be handed over to the Gozo Channel, after which works on Phase B of the project would start. Works on Phase B include the building of gangways on Berths 1 and 2, the construction of the Terminal and associated road works, as well as the final works on ramp number 2. From Easter 2006, all ferry operations would be conducted from Berth 1.

Addressing the media, Minister Censu Galea expressed his satisfaction at the rate of progress that has been achieved to date notwithstanding the operational and logistical problems to date. “We are aware that given the restricted space at the Mgarr Harbour and the extent of the works involved, the biggest challenge will remain that of safeguarding the safety of ferry operations whilst construction works are still going on. In fact, the whole project was specifically planned and implemented in various phases to ensure that such objectives were met. Indeed, one of the main indications of this success is the fact that despite all the problems there were no disruptions in the schedule of the ferry service. ”

Minister Giovanna Debono praised the Malta Maritime Authority for the works carried out so far and expressed her satisfaction that Gozo can now pride itself with an efficient and modern ferry terminal that meets the various needs of the Gozitan community and its visitors, increasing facilities connected to the island’s accessibility with mainland Malta and therefore, beyond. Minister Debono said that the completion of Phase A of the Mgarr project and the continuation of works on Phase B complement the infrastructural works that will be carried out in Gozo in several locations in the coming months to upgrade Gozo’s tourism product. Minister Debono said that there is a concerted effort, spearheaded by the Ministry for Gozo but involving the participation of several stakeholders including the Malta Tourism Authority, the Gozo Tourism Association, the Malta Maritime Authority and other parties, to carry out regularly in Gozo to monitor and improve the facilities and services being offered for local and foreign visitors. Minister Debono referred to several major projects that are being undertaken now in Gozo and that impact the island’s tourism industry, including the reconstruction of the Victoria-San Lawrenz road which will be followed soon with the Mgarr road, Xlendi road and Ramla road; the decompression chamber project for diving tourism; and the setting up of a modern tourism-training facility.