Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg and Minister for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change José Herrera yesterday planted carob trees in Mellieha in what the Department of Information described as an environmentally friendly gesture.
Borg stressed the importance of striving for the improvement and regeneration of our country’s infrastructure, which has been in a state of neglect for too many years, and referred to the various extensive work being carried out on the roads. He emphasised how crucial it is for the government to continue listening to the needs of Maltese and Gozitan people, and to pay heed to them. He reiterated how the work of the Ministry has clearly shown that the government is ready to listen, but is wise enough to keep in perspective all factors that are important for all Maltese and Gozitan people.
Borg said it is important to remember that the challenges of traffic and congestion are among the major challenges, and it is necessary that the government gives them the attention they deserve. He added that for these to be addressed, several measures need to be adopted.
The Minister said that there are some who criticise the widening of roads, saying that this is not helping the fight against these same challenges. Borg reminded those present that the widening and upgrading of roads are but one among several measures and solutions which the ministry is working on.
He expressed his disappointment that several times, the public only receives those messages which make space for more discussion, while certain elements which are an integral part of the ministry’s projects and which are often mentioned by the ministry, are seldom given the attention they deserve. Among these elements, he mentioned cycle lanes, reduced emissions, new pavements to improve accessibility for pedestrians, landscaping which is beautifying the projects being implemented and which is significantly increasing the number of trees planted in roads, and essential measures which are being taken to increase road safety.
“Today, we are starting with the planting of 28 carob trees – we begin with 13 which are being planted in this zone. The government is sensitive to our environment, and those who think or try to give the impression that this is not so, are mistaken,” Borg said. He explained that the ministry considers every plan and every project in a holistic way, which includes an environmental strategy for every project, with some of the measures mentioned regarding the Mellieħa bypass forming part of this same strategy.
Referring to the controversy which has arisen about the Central Link Project, he said the project will do nothing other than improve the quality of life of citizens. He described this project as one that does not only look at the highest level of infrastructure, but one which also looks at measures that have a positive impact on the environment, such as the planting of over 300 trees so that a project which started with 300 trees, ends up with 600.
Meanwhile, Minister Herrera said everyone agrees that the country’s infrastructure requires improvements. He expressed his satisfaction that every day he understands that many people are environmentally conscious, saying this bodes well for the numerous environmental projects this government is in the process of implementing, among which are the bottle refund scheme and the Littering Act.
Herrera said this year will see the implementation of the electoral promise of planting a tree for every newborn child, and stressed that not only has the government kept its promise, but also that through planned works, it is looking to plant around 12,000 indigenous trees. He also reminded those present that apart from this, today everyone appreciates the work that was done in the valleys, and concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to continue giving importance and priority to the environment.