Implementing plans and pledges

We all know through experience that dreams and ideas can be attractive, plans and pledges innovative, but it is the commitment to implement them in a disciplined manner that finally leads to success.

Dr Caruana is Minister for Gozo

Over the past .week, Parliament started debating the Budget 2019 Measures Implementation Bill, the legislative tool that formally authorises the expenditure for all budget measures to be implemented. As is customary with all budgets, most measures come into effect on 1 January. For the second time running, we can only speak of benefits as this is the second one without any new taxes and the third consecutive budget that has a surplus. It is basically the time of the year when the population can better understand and experience how better off they are when plans and pledges will affect them throughout 2109.

Pensioners and families, and all other sections of the population have already experienced their benefits while January payments have already been effected. I was one of the speakers when the House debated the Bill and had the opportunity to spell out the various measures specifically applicable to Gozitan residents and families, over and above all other benefits on a na- tional level. I also went through the long list of projects that are already in hand and other new ventures that will start being implemented through a record financial allocation for the Gozo Ministry which has seen a 30 per cent increase for 2019.

Specific benefits

Four schemes have been introduced, all aimed at assisting Gozitan workers, students, patients and their accompanying relatives. With the introduction of these schemes, an equivalent of over €1 million in benefits is being given back all those concerned.

The Travel Reimbursement for Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment at Mater Dei has been reviewed and extended to the adult accompanying the patient. This scheme will be open to patients travelling between the islands in government hospitals for treatment against cancer, for renal dialysis or operations. As from this year, financial assistance will be given not only to the patient but also to the accompanying adult. Besides refunding the ferry tickets to the patient and one accompanying adult, the Gozo Ministry will also provide additional assistance to ease the burden of accommodation in Malta, particularly when early morning surgeries require them to spend the night in Malta. This assistance will be a maximum of €45 per night.

In line with the government’s vision to promote collective transport a compensation of €1.50 per day – amounting to around €650 a year – will be given to those Gozitan workers who organise such methods of transport. All Gozitan workers who work in Malta will be entitled to Gozitan Works Subsidy. This means that for the first time, the anomaly that existed until now, that only government employees are given full refund of the ferry ticket, has been removed. As of this year, workers in the private sector in Malta will also benefit from €300 annually. In both these schemes, applications need to be made in July 2019.

These initiatives are the result of the government’s commitment to listen to the suggestions put forward by various organizations. These initiatives are measured, studied and integrated with the Gozo Ministry’s vision and intended to further assist and improve the quality of life for Gozitans.

Delivering on projects

As already mentioned, the Gozo Ministry is committed to assist Gozitan students requiring affordable accommodation in Malta. A new project was launched this week by which Villa Lauri in Birkirkara will be restored and refurbished. Since the 1980s, the large villa had been used to shelter migrant families and child. It was closed in 2010 and was left abandoned and therefore needs extensive refurbishment work.

Months of discussions with the Franciscan Province have led to this first of other initiatives of its kind. The premises, which are leased for an initial 15-year period will be converted into a residence and will fulfil two functions – to accommodate Gozitan students seeking further education in Malta and relatives of Gozitan patients recovering or given medical attention in Malta. This building will house 33 individuals in either self-contained apartments or shared rooms. An application to the planning authority was submitted last year and is in an advanced stage of processing while a tender for structural works has already been published. Work includes the replacement of dangerous ceilings and roofs, new services including plumbing, drainage, electricity, new finishes, new lift and restoration of the imposing façade.

This will not be the only venture to help students and patients’ relatives while in Malta, as a holistic plan is being formulated to ensure the best way to deliver on our pledges. I am personally committed to ensure that my team at the Ministry is continuously focused on implementing the various targets we