Readers will have to excuse the pun contained in the title as it is not immediately made obvious. Last week, Friday to be exact, the government continued with its pre-budget consultation meetings, this time for the sporting sector.
The session took the format of being a briefing for the media, media questions and a follow up consultation session with representatives from the sporting arena, which was closed to the press.
A journalist in attendance asked the government what it planned to do to alleviate some of the burdens which sporting associations will face as a result of the energy and water hike, citing watering of pitches as an example of extra expenses. The Finance Minister replied that the government would be looking at what it could do in the circumstances, but stopped short, saying that more analysis was needed and that if deemed necessary, corrective measures would be taken in the budget. The Minister went on to crack a joke about there not being many real turf pitches nowadays, and this sparked off quite a reaction from the crowd. One man was heard telling the minister that while what he said is true, nurseries and the like will have their backs up against the wall due to the lighting of pitches at night. In all probability, the comment stirred up a hornets’ nest, but no one could tell for sure as the media were ushered out at that time.
The government’s thrust behind sports is two-pronged; one to raise Malta’s sports profile, and the second to promote a healthier lifestyle. What is definite is that the government minister, and accompanying parliamentary secretary Clyde Puli were caught on the hop. It was clear that the government did not expect this sort of reaction from the sporting arena.
That the price of oil is what it is; is not an issue of contention. However, while it is true that the new water and electricity rates will favour those who try and economise, certain businesses and sports associations will not be able to. One can quickly take the example of five-a-side football pitches.
They have showers and they use a fair bit of power to light up the pitches. For them, there is no way of economising, they would simply have to put their prices up. This in turn has a knock-on effect, if they charge more, people will be less willing to go for a quick game to keep fit, or to take their children for a session.
In short, the government cannot have its cake and eat it. This sports for a healthy lifestyle catchphrase (or something like that) is all well and good, but if people are dissuaded from practicing sports because it’s too expensive – we have nothing but lip service.
The truth is that a balance must be found. Just as businesses have their consumption capped, a similar solution could be found for sports associations – whether it is use of lights for a dojo, a gym, water for pitches (yes, there are some and they still need watering) or lighting for pitches. The government is pumping money into sports, but it needs to realise that funding (or allowing rebates) for daily running is far more beneficial.