Transport Minister Joe Mizzi today said his recent trip to Spain to meet with bus company Autobuses de Leon was conducted in order to see with "his own eyes" that everything is in order.

“I do not want public transport to fail. I want those who expressed an interest in providing the service to have everything in order. I also spoke to the Maltese bidders, I speak to everyone,” Minister Mizzi said.

Three bids have been submitted, two by Maltese companies and one by the Spanish company. Mr Mizzi said negotiations are underway with the preferred bidder, who he did not name.

Speaking during the launch of a cleanliness awareness campaign, Mr Mizzi said 70 more workers have been hired by the Cleansing Directorate, and 500 additional dustbins have been purchased offering 90,000 extra litres of space.

Waste will be emptied from the bins twice daily, he said.

A member of the Paceville administrative council said the locality was a “total loss,” but there is now a ray of hope.

The member lamented the lack of public toilets, and said mice can frequently be seen running around in the streets.