Big, bold promises during an election campaign are usually trumped by political realities once elections are over. However, in Malta’s case and a 100 days into Labour’s second mandate, the government is already delivering on a promise which has long been overdue.

The regeneration of the Ta’ Qali crafts village has been in the pipeline for 25 years. The unfulfilled promises date back to 1992, when the plan to rehabilitate the area was announced. Over the years, the Nationalist government had broached the subject on many occasions, each time promising that somehow, this time, the outcome would be different. Since then, crafts village operators have been forced to function with substandard infrastructure, having been held back by red tape and broken promises. It is no wonder that tenants have shown disaffection for hollow promises as the Nationalist government had repeatedly over promised and under delivered.

When operators were informed of the project a year ago, they expressed relief that the funds were finally in hand for work to commence. I must admit that their initial reaction was understandable, as the protracted negotiations forced them to relinquish hope to help avoid the most powerful stings of disappointment, as this miracle failed to materialize.

This bleak scenario is set to change as work will finally begin to revamp the area. The investment of more than €10 million in European funds and €4 million from private investment will restore the village and create a centre of excellence for the country’s artisanal skills. One might say that these figures might make for splashy headlines yet, the sum of this investment truly shows Labour’s commitment to transform Ta’ Qali into a real show window of Maltese crafts.   

One of the most contentious points which cropped up during negotiations was how to fundamentally transform the weak legal status that tenants have today. Previously, tenants only had to pay a sufferance fee for use of the place but had no legal title whatsoever. Under the new terms, tenants will have the land for sixty-five years at a fixed annual ground rent on condition they would finance the construction of their new premises themselves. In addition, tenants will be provided with all the support they need to create a sound business plan, therefore ensuring a return on their investment. To facilitate the building process, one common contractor has been selected to embellish the area with new street lighting, parking facilities, public open spaces and a family area.

This investment will open up opportunities for both current and incoming tenants to support their professional development and help them succeed in the future, while also encouraging more people to get involved in the local artisan scene. The regeneration of Ta’ Qali Crafts Village proves the government’s commitment to building a country that works for all by creating opportunity and developing individual potential.

 

Chris Cardona is Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses