Gozo park and ride facility opens before full completion

Half a year after Prime Minister Robert Abela presided over the official opening of a multi-million euro park and ride facility in Xewkija, Gozo, the project is still incomplete, and public use remains notably low. The €7 million project, situated adjacent to the Ta’ Xhajma racecourse, was introduced as a strategic transportation hub meant to serve ferry commuters traveling between Gozo and Malta. However, a physical inspection of the site and statements from local users suggest the facility remains far from functional or safe, raising questions about administrative oversight, regulatory compliance, and the real motivations behind its early launch.

Premature opening of an unfinished facility

Despite its inauguration, the facility has not yet achieved a level of completion necessary for full public use. Heavy machinery remains scattered throughout the site, and workers continue to engage in large-scale construction activities on a daily basis. Visual evidence shows that extensive portions of the car park remain unpaved, and key components of the facility—such as the green roof, which was intended to provide recreational space atop the structure—have yet to be constructed.

Of the 300 parking spaces originally promised, only a limited number are reportedly available, and users have told The Shift that access to large sections of the facility remains restricted or unsafe. These conditions have deterred significant usage, calling into question the purpose and timing of the project’s inauguration.

Questions over safety and regulatory approvals

There is currently no public confirmation that health and safety authorities have approved the facility for operational use. The apparent absence of safety certification for a partially constructed public transport hub raises legal and ethical questions. If indeed the site is open to the public without formal clearance from occupational safety regulators, such a decision may expose users to risk and raise potential liability issues for the responsible government agencies.

Pressure to meet EU funding deadlines

Multiple sources familiar with the project have indicated that the decision to inaugurate the site before completion was driven by a looming deadline to retain EU co-financing. The project, which was eligible for substantial EU funds, was reportedly at risk of forfeiting up to 80% of its funding due to construction delays. By inaugurating the site and commencing partial operations, authorities may have sought to create the appearance of compliance with project deadlines in order to satisfy EU reporting requirements.

While such a strategy may offer a temporary reprieve, it also raises concerns regarding transparency, financial accountability, and adherence to EU funding rules.

A troubled beginning and controversial procurement

The project was first introduced in 2018 by Justyne Caruana, who was serving as Gozo Minister at the time. However, from the outset, the project encountered regulatory and procedural irregularities. Excavation works began without the necessary permits, an act that is typically considered a breach of planning and environmental regulations.

One year earlier, in 2017, a contract for the procurement of six electric buses associated with the project was awarded to TUM Invest, a company owned by Ninu Fenech and his sons. The tender process surrounding the contract drew scrutiny for its limited transparency and the eventual outcome: the buses, once delivered, were reportedly kept idle in a garage for several years, failing to serve their intended purpose.

These early missteps foreshadowed the challenges the project would later encounter, including years of inactivity and missed construction deadlines.

Years of stagnation and delayed execution

The Planning Authority eventually granted formal approval for the project in 2019. Despite this, the site remained largely dormant for an extended period. A large excavation pit stood untouched for years, becoming emblematic of stalled infrastructure development in the region.

The change in leadership within the Gozo Ministry in subsequent years led to renewed attention on the project, especially amid concerns about the imminent loss of EU funding. Clint Camilleri, who succeeded Caruana as Minister for Gozo, spearheaded efforts to restart construction in an attempt to meet the end-of-2023 completion deadline.

However, despite these efforts, the timelines were again missed. Rather than delay further and risk full forfeiture of EU funds, authorities opted to open the site in its incomplete state, potentially placing appearances over substance.

Current state of the project

As of mid-2025, the facility operates only in part, with limited parking availability and no completed public transport connections. The green roof remains unbuilt, and key infrastructure necessary to facilitate transport to the Mġarr ferry terminal—such as shuttle logistics and traffic systems—has yet to be fully operationalised.

For commuters, this has translated into uncertainty, inconvenience, and underutilisation. For the broader public, the project stands as a visible example of how public infrastructure initiatives can falter due to mismanagement, lack of coordination, and political expediency.

Implications for transparency and public trust

While the decision to open a half-completed facility may satisfy short-term bureaucratic or funding requirements, it risks undermining long-term public trust in governance. Infrastructure projects of this scale are funded by public money and, in this case, supplemented by EU contributions. As such, the expectation of transparency, legal compliance, and proper execution is critical.

Moreover, the project’s perceived prioritisation of appearances—such as staging an inauguration ceremony before basic safety and functional requirements were met—raises deeper concerns about accountability mechanisms within Malta’s infrastructure planning framework.

Political and institutional accountability

The controversy surrounding the park and ride project also underscores the need for stronger oversight mechanisms within Malta’s infrastructure development ecosystem. While ministers and public officials are expected to promote timely execution of public projects, this must not come at the cost of regulatory compliance or safety standards.

Furthermore, the procurement of electric buses that remained unused for years adds an additional layer of concern regarding the selection and monitoring of private contractors involved in public works. Effective governance in this area requires robust checks and balances to ensure that projects serve the public interest rather than political or private gain.

Conclusion

The Ta’ Xhajma park and ride facility, despite its promising objective, has become a case study in the pitfalls of rushed planning and political pressure. Though partially operational, the facility remains incomplete and underutilised, raising legal, financial, and ethical questions about how public infrastructure should be developed and managed.

Until full transparency is achieved, safety certifications are confirmed, and the facility reaches a standard that matches the original project description, public confidence in similar initiatives is likely to remain low. For residents of Gozo and Maltese taxpayers more broadly, this serves as a reminder of the need for rigor, transparency, and accountability in all publicly funded projects.

FAQs

What is the Gozo park and ride facility?
It is a €7 million transportation hub near the Ta’ Xhajma racecourse in Xewkija, designed to serve ferry commuters by offering parking and shuttle services.

Why was the facility opened if construction is not complete?
The opening was reportedly rushed to avoid losing EU funding, which required that the project appear completed by a set deadline.

Has the facility received safety approval?
There is no public confirmation that Maltese health and safety authorities have approved the use of the facility, raising legal and safety concerns.

How many parking spaces are available?
While 300 spaces were promised, only a limited number are currently usable due to ongoing construction.

What happened with the electric buses?
Six electric buses were purchased in 2017, but remained unused in a garage for years. Their integration into the project remains unclear.

Who awarded the bus contract?
The tender for the buses was awarded to TUM Invest, owned by Ninu Fenech and his sons, a decision that has been scrutinised for transparency.

What is the status of the green roof?
The green roof, planned as an open space for public use, has not yet been constructed despite being part of the original design.

Who is responsible for the project delays?
Responsibility is shared across successive Gozo ministries, with delays attributed to both administrative and political mismanagement.

What was the original timeline for completion?
The facility was supposed to be completed by the end of 2023 to meet EU funding conditions, a deadline that was ultimately missed.

How has the public responded?
Public usage has been minimal due to safety and accessibility concerns, and many have expressed frustration over the handling of the project.