The newly-appointed CEO of the Malta Transport Authority, who on Monday was revealed to have obtained a gross package of Lm20,000, was yesterday revealed to have succeeded in retaining his tourist agency as well.

Labour MP Leo Brincat asked Urban Development and Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett if this did not constitute a conflict of interest since ADT could find itself operating in the tourism sector, but Mr Mugliett said that the CEO's contract specifies there is no conflict of interest.

Senglea clock of unsure ownership

It is not clear who the famous Senglea landmark, the Clock Tower, belongs to. Consequently the Malta Environment and Planning Authority cannot take any steps regarding its restoration, Environment Minister George Pullicino told Nationalist MP Mario Galea. If Mepa comes to know who the owner is, it will issue a conservation order. Mepa is coordinating with Heritage Malta on this issue, the minister added.

Housing Authority to issue 146 units

In September, the Housing Authority is due to issue a call for the sale of 146 apartments/maisonettes, under the shared ownership concept.

Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina was replying to Labour MP Stefan Buontempo.

Numerus clausus for coaches

There exists an agreement between the government and the Unscheduled Bus Service which states that the number of coaches cannot be increased, Mr Mugliett told Mr Galea.

Consequently, a request by a vintage coach owner to import a brand new coach and transfer to it the vintage coach's licence cannot be accepted, the minister said.

Complaints regarding Kirkop tunnel bottleneck

The road works on the road leading to the airport are creating an almighty traffic jam from the Kirkop tunnel to the roundabout, Mr Galea complained again yesterday. It is taking 20 minutes to clear the area.

Replying to Mr Galea, Mr Mugliett said some roads such as this, do not have alternative routes. It was for this reason that the road works there have been relegated to the days when schools are not open, as this cuts some 20 per cent of the traffic on the roads. The minister also promised he will look to see how the congestion may be eased.