The Resources and Infrastructure Ministry has become one of the most prominent Ministries in Malta – largely because it has “nice” areas under its portfolio – such as embellishment, restoration and landscaping.
It was very good news to hear that the work carried out last year under the auspices of the ministry will not grind to a halt. In fact, Minister Ninu Zammit pledged that there were many more projects in the pipeline.
This is very good news to hear. We have already seen the fruits of the labour of the ministry, especially in areas such as the Bugibba promenade and Paceville.
While both projects might be singled out for some form of criticism – which, as long as it is constructive is healthy – we must say that they have at least been completed.
Some might argue that Paceville, for example, took far too long to complete. It is true, it took a long time but at least our nightlife Mecca, frequented by thousands of Maltese and foreigners alike is pleasing to the eye and actually looks like a nightlife area similar to those found on mainland Europe.
It is easy to forget how shabby places looked before they are given a face-lift. What we now need to do is ensure that local byelaws are enforced so that Paceville remains in the condition it is now in.
Another project, which has gone largely unnoticed, was the clearing of the saltpans in Salini. The drainage channels in this area clogged up and stank the place to high heavens for years on end, especially in summer.
Qawra is a prime touristic area, so well done for removing whatever was causing that stink.
Another praiseworthy effort by this ministry was the cutting down of expenses in the form of a reduction of 13 per cent in telephone bills, 22 per cent on leasing properties and 48 per cent on leasing vehicles.
The beauty of it all is that the Minister said the money saved will go directly back into the coffers so more projects can be implemented.
Another huge success for this ministry was how the work to prevent flooding passed its test with flying colours. The work was painstaking and did take quite a while to complete, but this is proof of the saying “It’s better to be safe rather than sorry”.
The work was extensive, including the clearing out of several clogged natural watercourse valleys and it also included the construction of better water catchment areas which facilitate the flow of water.
Although it would be a massive project, perhaps government should now turn its attention towards trying to alleviate the flooding in Msida. Granted, it is a mountain of a challenge, but it is something that is very much needed.
Msida floods every time there is even a medium sized downpour. It causes traffic jams galore and not to mention a huge amount of procrastination and consternation amongst employers and employees.
When Msida floods, people’s cars stop in the water and this results in lower productivity because people get to work later or even have to take the day off. Added to this, we must also think of all those residents who have to endure the huge floods that engulf the town.
We repeat, we know it will be a huge undertaking and probably a very expensive one, but the situation does need addressing, sooner rather than later. It might not even be possible to eliminate the problem but studies should be commissioned.
One must also bear in mind that a large block of flats is under construction near the MLP club. We must send out the right messages and the right message in this case would be to show that the government is willing to address the flooding that blights Msida.