Minister Tonio Fenech explained in Parliament what Malta Enterprise head Alan Camilleri meant when he spoke about plans for various historical sites when he recently spoke at a Banif Bank conference.
Mr Camilleri’s speech included plans and projects for a number of sites including Bighi, St Elmo, L’Ospizio etc.
Asked by Leo Brincat (PL), the minister said Mr Camilleri made it clear in his presentation he was presenting concepts that could be considered for strategic sites and which could lead to economic growth as well as to ensuring the site is viably restored.
Mr Camilleri also emphasised, the minister added, that projects such as Corporate Village Malta, the Safi Aviation Park and the Life Sciences Centre are far more at an advanced stage than the other concepts.
Power supply suspended to households, shops, hotels
In a series of replies, Minister Tonio Fenech gave Noel Farrugia (PL) details about power supply suspensions to households, shops and hotels in 2010. In all, supply was cut to 1,276 households in Malta and 10 in Gozo, to eight factories in Malta, to eight hotels in Malta and one in Gozo and to 436 commercial outlets in Malta and four in Gozo.
The purchasing of fuel
Enemalta has a Risk Management Committee that decides on hedging in the purchasing of fuel oil and gas oil, Minister Tonio Fenech told Evarist Bartolo (PL).
The corporation does not hedge on the purchase of other fuels.
Purchasing of petrol and diesel is done through a tender: The offers are collated by the Fuel Procurement Committee and negotiations are held with the best offerer. During adjudication, factors that are considered include the security of the product, the credibility of the bidder, the price that is being offered, its relationship with the international price and credit turns.
Petrol and diesel products give a gross profit of €0.087 a litre from which one must deduct expenses relating to storage, distribution and administration. Since more than one type of fuel is purchased, these costs are considered globally by the Petroleum Division and cannot be ascribed to any particular product. VAT is 18% according to law. Petrol stations make a €0.051 average mark up every litre.
Marsaxlokk paving to be redone
Replying to a Charles Buhagiar (PL) question, Minister George Pullicino confirmed that the recently laid pavement around the Marsaxlokk church will have to be redone since much damage, the minister said, was caused when uncontrolled access to vehicles was allowed in the area. Bollards are now going to be added so that there will be no access and no damage is again caused.
Lowenbrau site was leased only for the production of drinks
The use of the land leased to Lowenbrau at Qormi cannot be changed: The lease agreement signed with the government says that the site is being leased as land for industrial use, specifically for the production of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Minister Tonio Fenech told Charles Buhagiar (PL).
The Palace is on wooden pillars
The evidence surfaced on a recent edition of Skoperti on NET TV. It showed that the basement of the President’s Palace in Valletta is based on wooden pillars. Charles Buhagiar (PL) asked Minister George Pullicino whether the entire building is thus in danger of collapsing and if any study has been carried out. Mr Pullicino directed Mr Buhagiar to ask the question to the minister responsible for the Office for the Regeneration of the Palace.
Part of Wied Blandun is private
Silvio Parnis (PL) asked the prime minister what is being planned for Wied Blandun. Dr Gonzi replied that the work done so far was the planting of indigenous trees. But other work has been blocked since it has been found that part of this site belongs to private persons.
Gozo Channel and Air Malta workers in Gozo
In a series of replies, Minister Tonio Fenech provided Anton Refalo (PL) with details about various enterprises in the public sector and the employees they have from Gozo. Gozo Channel employs 240 workers of whom 189 come from Gozo. Air Malta employs 1,343 workers (end of January) of whom 51 are foreigners and 15 are Gozitans of whom only one works in Gozo.
Park tal-Majjistral Mepa applications
The management of the Park tal-Majjistral has so far made two applications to Mepa. These are an application for the restoration of the Tan-Naħħalija Farmhouse and that of the Għajn Żnuber Tower. The application regarding the farmhouse has been withdrawn since there were complications regarding ownership while that regarding the tower has been approved and the tower’s restoration has been included in restoration works to be done over the coming two years.
Minister George Pullicino also told Censu Galea (PN) that the management of the park has been in contact with Mepa to clarify what permits must be submitted so as to allow the installation of barriers to control access in the park.