‘A progressive government which looks to the future’ – Aaron Farrugia
Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia yesterday outlined the policies and measures that fall under his ministry for a strategic plan for the future of Malta.
Together with the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for construction Chris Agius, Farrugia explained how “the budget presented last week continued to elevate the issues related to the environment on a national level. This, together with a strategic plan in the long run, would mean that Malta can continue at a fast rate reaching our ecological targets.”
“A progressive government which looks to the future goes beyond just discussions and studies, but puts the investment where it is needed,” Farrugia said.
The Budget 2022 has allocated an increased investment over the previous years with Farrugia stating that “although the pandemic caused us to pass through some economic hardships, we are still investing heavily in these sectors.”
The green economy, tackling climate change, waste management, environmental site management, afforestation and sustainable construction are at the forefront of the governments environmental efforts, with Farrugia wanting Malta to be a leader in the reforms of these sectors in Europe.
“We are showing, black on white, that we want to give open spaces to the people with trees away from pollution, even in urban areas. The people want and need green spaces which provide for recreation.”
Farrugia then shifted focus on two main projects which are on the government’s agenda for the coming months. These projects are the tunnel roofing project of Santa Venera and the Sant’ Anne’s street garden project in Floriana.
In both these cases, the studies have now taken a more serious approach. In the case of the Santa Venera project, the studies are more intensive and the financing of this project is being considered together with the possibility of a public private partnership.
With regard to the Floriana street garden project, the geological studies have been made and the studies on the impact of traffic as well as environmental studies are currently under way.
Farrugia also announced that the works on open spaces and green spaces in Zabbar, Qormi, Hamrun, and Mosta together with renovations at San Anton and other gardens would be completed by the end of next year.
He also mentioned the implementation of the aesthetic policy with regards to ‘ugly’ buildings in Malta. Studies would be conducted in this regard in order to conceive incentives for comprehensive development with the aim of addressing areas with abandoned buildings and pencil developments.
Farrugia said that “this is a budget where the environmental sector is going to lead our country in making steps towards our environmental targets.”
Agius then continued to explain the measures the budget proposed for sustainable construction.
“The importance of the agency responsible for buildings and construction is vital in creating regulations for the construction industry. These include the minimum requirements for construction workers as well as licenses for contractors.”
Agius also revealed that first stage on the studies of the new national building code are nearing completion and most importantly in the coming days changes in the times for excavation and demolition of buildings are going to be enacted. New requirements in the real estate agent laws means that by January 2022, all real estate agents would require a license.