Minister Ian Borg and Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius held a press conference at the Garden of Serenity in Santa Luċija. The aim of this conference was for them to speak about the important work done in their sector during these first hundred days of Government. These one hundred days have consisted of tireless work and tranquility which is leaving better results. The country needed to continue on the same path taken during the previous legislature, and there has been continuity in terms of positive results and successes. We have continued working at the same quick pace, only quickening it, and we can do this because we have strong foundations and our country stands with the top category.
Minister Borg began by looking forward as he announced an extensive project which will improve main arteries in the area of Santa Luċija. He announced that, after studies on several alternatives were carried out, a new project which will complement that of the Marsa-Addolorata junction has been initiated; a project which will lead to the restructuring of the Santa Luċija junction, which is very important for the thousands of vehicles which pass through the area every hour. This junction is one of the main access points for the localities of Santa Luċija, Tarxien and Paola. The project will consist of the building of two new tunnels in conjunction with the roundabout, an investment which exceeds €20 million. Once complete, this project will lead to less congestion and a more efficient traffic flow, while also significantly reducing pollution.
After giving details on this project, the Minister spoke about the good work carried out by the Ministry and its entities during these one hundred days. He went on to mention several studies which are being carried out concerning each junction and artery where there are difficulties related to traffic, to implement appropriate solutions towards less congestion and increased safety. Among the first works, the Minister mentioned the improvements done to the Lija bypass, the Gudja roundabout near the airport, and the work done in Ingiered Road and Marsa Road, as well as current ongoing works on the roundabout in the vicinity of Paola MCAST and the four-phase project being carried out in a main road in Qormi.
Borg reminded the attending press of the open call for the widening of the Marsa-Ħamrun bypass, a €5 million investment, as well as the similar project expected to be carried out in Buqana Road. The Minister went on to say that he, along with the entities concerned, is committed to continue improving these principal arteries which are essential links connecting different parts of our country, and said that he is satisfied with the improvement he’s already seen in traffic flow where works have been completed. He added that this does not mean that our infrastructural problems will disappear. However, the Minister stated that it is important to strike a balance between immediate and more long-term solutions.
Borg also spoke about the work done on roads which needed immediate attention. Among these, the Minister mentioned the work being done in the Roman Villa area in Rabat, Sejba Road in Mqabba, Birkirkara Road in Attard and the rebuilding from scratch of Bontadini Road in Birkirkara. He reminded the attending press of the open call for the resurfacing of Bormla Road, known as Taċ-Ċawsli, in Żabbar, an investment which will cost €5 million, and also stated that works to improve access to the Mosta Technopark roundabout will soon begin.
The Minister spoke with satisfaction about the quick pace at which the Kappara junction project is being carried out; a project which was always on time and on budget, and pointed out that the flyover is now functioning in both directions. He also said that it is now important to look ahead to the next big project, the substantial investment of the Marsa-Addolorata junction. The open call for the second phase of works on this project will soon close, leading to the opening of the call for the third phase of works. Dr Borg stated that this project will be carried out with the same efficiency as that of Kappara and went on to say that studies are currently being carried out in order to update existing plans for this project, according to the evolving needs of the surrounding areas. These studies, the Minister added, will not delay the project, which will begin as scheduled.
Borg emphasised the importance being given to the environmental aspect of infrastructure. He reminded those in attendance that measures to plant 22 trees were taken, in agreement with the Lija and Iklin Local Council after works in Lija were carried out, and he also mentioned the Environmental Consultant who has been appointed to oversee the work currently being done in Qormi.
The maritime sector is essential to an island economy like Malta, especially considering its geographical position in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Minister Borg announced that, by the end of August, there was a substantial increase of 6.5% in the number of vessels registered under the Act on Merchant Ships when compared to last December, and an increase of 15.5% in the number of yachts measuring more than 24 metres, all registered under the Maltese flag.
Borg also spoke with satisfaction about the great improvements being attained in the aviation sector. He commended the dedication and work done by Transport Malta, who have managed to attract more aeroplanes to join the Maltese register in the last few months, a register which now holds more than 260 aeroplanes. The Minister mentioned ongoing positive negotiations towards bringing to this register a substantial amount of prestigious aircraft, and also spoke about ongoing discussions with two new airlines, which discussions are currently in an advanced stage. The Minister said that the aviation sector in our country has a bright future ahead.
Public transport is an important sector which falls under the responsibility of this Ministry. Dr Borg announced an increase of 12% in the number of passengers between January and July when compared to the same period last year, and said that this increase has led to an investment in 28 new buses which have joined Malta Public Transport’s fleet. He also said that agreement has been reached on a new contract which will give Transport Malta the possibility to install new bus shelters where they are most needed.
Borg described the work being done so that next year, the Agency which will be responsible for the building of residential roads with an investment of €700 million in seven years, will be established.
The Minister also spoke about the Lands Authority’s achievements. Among these, he spoke about the new online system of applications, and said that this will facilitate the application process while strengthening transparency in Governmental departments.
He also spoke about the European Fund for Regional Development, which was initiated by the Planning Authority, and which costs over €7 million, which fund will facilitate the work of Governmental Departments towards more efficiency and better access to information. The Planning Authority has also done a lot of good work towards the protection of our architectural heritage, through the Heritage Planning Unit, which has worked tirelessly throughout this summer. Dr Borg also made reference to the founding of the Development Planning Fund within this Authority, where ten contracts with several local councils towards projects holding a value higher than €900,000 have been signed, while more work has been done towards updating policy on parking solutions, smart cities, world heritage sites, and land readjustment. The Minister also said that the first report on the consultation carried out on sites nominated for the public domain was submitted during these one hundred days.
The Minister concluded his speech with an energetic and optimistic tone. He said that although a lot of work has been done during these one hundred days, this is only the beginning of this legislature, and he is ready for the extensive work that lies ahead, so that Malta can have the infrastructure and transport system it truly deserves.
Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius made reference to the great amount of work that has been done during these one hundred days, particularly in the two largest entities which he is responsible for, work which will surely benefit the citizens. The Lands Authority has begun a restructuring process through the creation of new units. It has also launched a new corporate image, a website and a social presence on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
The Planning Authority has now launched a digital system for the processing of compliance certificates, better known as applications for certification of electricity and plumbing. Apart from this, a digital system for Development Notification Order (DNO) applications has also been created. The Secretary concluded his speech by saying that the Authority has also launched a new website, www.pa.org.mt and said that he looks forward to more work in the future.