Nationalist MP Kristy Debono refuted claims made by Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela that the Swieqi Police station is rarely closed, saying that in summer, more often than not its doors were closed, especially at night.

Minister Abela’s claims came in response to a parliamentary question put forward by Mrs Debono. Minister Abela said on the occasions that the station was closed, this was due to police carrying out foot patrols. He also said that when required, resources from the St Julian’s police station are diverted to the Swieqi station.

The Swieqi police station is manned by six police, and it must be noted that under the previous administration one could not talk of a Swieqi police station, since it was this government that opened it.

Mrs Debono said that finding the station closed is certainly not a rarity, she also asked about the introduction of CCTV cameras in Swieqi, as was promised by then Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia two  years ago.

In response, Minister Abela said that CCTV cameras are being considered not only in Swieqi but in various localities. He said that the introduction of CCTV cameras are currently being discussed, however at this stage there is no stipulated time-frame for their implementation. He also said that it is not just a question of installing them, but the logistics behind manning them and ensuring their efficiency are important aspects that must be assessed.