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.
Phase A in Mġarr involved 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.
The announcement was made during a media visit at the Mġarr ferry terminal. Members of the media were addressed by Censu Galea, Minister for Competitiveness and Communications, 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.
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. He added that the most important part of the development was ensuring the safety of the commuters and workers of the Mġarr Harbour, hence the reason for the development to proceed in stages.
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 Mġarr 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.
© Copyright 2005 - MaltaMedia Online Network
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