Last week the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee discussed the SmartCity project. It went through the details and had its say regarding the matter and all in all it seems that this good thing is happening. Let’s now move on. This means that, with 5,600 jobs in the offing, and the Maltese “job seekers” vying for opportunities to come their way, then preparation for jobs in the IT sector should top the agenda of every teaching institution on the island. Not only must we have people who are efficient in IT but we also need these not to be afraid of venturing into the unknown. With this in mind, late in December 2006, MCAST opened its doors for further courses in IT.
The number of private and government institutions offering tuition in these fields is on the increase and professionalism is of the essence. Let us just hope that the students taking up this challenge will be up to scratch and be prepared to benefit from the opportunities which are coming our way.
Top class preparation + Opportunities + Direct orientation of energies in the right direction = Success.
We do not want a situation where, as soon as jobs are up for the taking within two or three years, we could end up with a lot of poaching. Needless to say, the best in the trade will have new openings, the opportunities to land the choice jobs as well as the chance to improve their pay packet. After all we all believe that one has to pay to have the best. If possible, we want all job seekers to be well-prepared and capable of landing well-remunerated employment. In all probability, there will be enough jobs to go around offering a unique chance, to those ready to commit themselves, of improving their situation considerably. Maltese workers are known for their job loyalty and this can possibly weigh in our favour when it comes to choosing the right personnel.
There will also be jobs for gardeners, cleaners, security officers, maintenance people, electricians and a plethora of other jobs in the catering, hotel and entertainment industries. After all, it is logical that to keep a “city” in top condition it will be necessary to employ people of all trades. So even here, those less prepared in the academic field can land the right job – only on condition that they excel in the field they aim to be employed in. One must not expect to be employed just for the sake of having a job.
Each position will have its terms of reference and now must be the right time for all those interested to pull up their socks. After all, all employees at SmartCity must hold on to the job through efficient delivery. The investors are all private entrepreneurs and they do not have time or money for anyone seeking a comfortable job to laze around. Commitment to the job must be one of the top priorities to whoever will seek to be part of this venture. Yet this enterprise will mean more than just jobs. It will address the need to move the southern tip of the island towards the future in no small way.
In fact, this means a direct foreign investment of some $300 million which I am sure will escalate further if things go well and the investing company Tecom is pleased with the results.
The government itself will retain a nine per cent interest in the operating company which could also mean financial benefits for the country as a whole.
It is deemed that the employment figure – if the said project operates at full capacity – could mean an increase from 5,600 employees to a number hovering near the 7,500 figure. This would represent the largest one-off investment on the island making it at the same time the top spot for IT within the Mediterranean basin with the capability of becoming the IT centre of choice in the region. For the different interested companies Ricasoli, Malta will be the place to set up offices. The benefits and stakes for each of them will be far too high for them to bypass. It will be the first foreign investment by Dubai’s SmartCity in Europe. This project will radically change Ricasoli, turning it into a futuristic setup with up-market office space, hotel, marina, residential units, shops restaurants, and amusement businesses.
Part of the project envisages the restoration, to their former glory, of Fort Ricasoli and Fort Saint Rocco.
One third of the whole area will be landscaped and developed in such a way as to provide open spaces for the use and enjoyment not only of those primarily involved in SmartCity but also for the general public. Hopefully those locals making use of this recreational area will realize that these facilities are to be well taken care of and be kept in good condition.
Infrastructural road works will be taken on to upgrade the approach routes to the said development. Plans are in line for another park and ride project as well as for the improved accessibility by public transport. Plans are also in hand to provide a sea-ferrying service from Grand Harbour. This will keep traffic congestion and use of private vehicles in the area itself to the bare minimum thus creating a more environmental friendly area. The said development will involve considerable construction that will be in line with environmental exigencies. This conforms with the government’s policy of adopting environment-friendly strategies for the future.
This entire project gives us the opportunity of evolving our economy with a holistic perspective. The return from this same activity in taxes as well as ancillary window openers will depend on us all. There is no time to waste and no time to bicker regarding the matter. This is no longer a political issue and must now be considered by one and all as a national challenge and issue. The word “go” has been said and now, without breaking our backs, the administration has to work hard and if need be bend over double to materialise an idea, which has since developed into the largest project ever and which will see the commencements of works next month.
Tony Abela is parliamentary secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister