Alex Borg is willing to sign a memorandum committing the government and Opposition to a long-term mass-transport project. Politically, it is an easy offer for the PN to make. It loses little by agreeing to continuity across electoral cycles. The country, however, could lose billions if that continuity locks us into the wrong project.
Malta desperately needs a serious transport strategy. Congestion is damaging productivity, wasting time and eroding quality of life. The proposed €2.8 billion light-rail system may be the answer. But may is the operative word.
Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has said he has not yet seen the studies underpinning the proposal. Transport Minister Chris Bonett says they are under way. The government must now demonstrate that the project is viable, affordable and better than the alternatives.
That burden rests with the government, not the Opposition. It is the government proposing the project, spending public money and asking taxpayers to carry the risk. Before seeking a political commitment, it must publish the evidence: projected passenger numbers, construction and operating costs, financing, environmental impact and credible alternatives.
Cross-party agreement can be valuable. It can protect a sound strategy from electoral short-termism. But consensus is not an end in itself, still less a substitute for due diligence. Two parties agreeing on a bad decision do not make it a good one.
The sensible approach is to agree on the destination before committing to the vehicle: faster, more reliable journeys; less dependence on private cars; better connections between communities and workplaces. If light rail is demonstrably the best way to achieve those objectives, the PN should have no difficulty supporting it. If the evidence points elsewhere, Malta must retain the freedom to change course.
There is nothing courageous about committing future governments to a project before its merits have been established. Nor is there anything responsible about rejecting it simply because it carries a hefty price tag.
The government has the opportunity – and the obligation – to make its case. Let it publish the studies, expose the assumptions to independent scrutiny and demonstrate value for money.
The PN may lose nothing by signing an agreement. Malta could lose a great deal by signing a blank cheque.
Sources
Times of Malta – Alex Borg willing to sign agreement with government on mass transport
Times of Malta – “I still haven’t seen the light rail studies,” Clyde Caruana says
The Malta Independent – Abela says ministers are ‘not contradictory’ over €2.8bn light rail project
WhosWho.mt – Can Malta afford the light rail? Experts propose different paths to solving traffic crisis