The Cleansing and Maintenance division will be benefitting from an artificial-powered project which will improve the cleanliness and maintenance of Malta while also raising the work quality of the division’s workers, Prime Minister Robert Abela stated during a conference.

The Office of the Prime Minister said that the government is investing €17 million into new machinery for public cleanliness as Prime Minister Abela met with workers from the Cleasning and Maintenance division ahead of Workers’ Day.

Prime Minister Abela spoke of how the project includes a drone system which will be able to identify waste from the air, thus speeding up the cleaning process, particularly in rural areas which may be more challenging in terms of accessibility. He also spoke of how Maltese students within the University of Malta’s Department of Artificial Intelligence developed the system.

The OPM stated that Abela noted the workers of Clean Malta who have had their needs addressed and conditions improved following meetings with the Prime Minister. It added that such workers perform invaluable work to keep Malta clean, and Abela remarked that it is no wonder that the workers are proud of their work as they provide great value to the quality of life of families.

The Prime Minister spoke of the importance of investments which improve the country and also prioritise the worker. He said that the workers remain the fulcrum of everything, and commented that the celebration of Workers’ Day is a reminder of the value of the worker, but added that the recognition of workers must be seen and reflected through measures enacted throughout the year. With that in mind, the OPM stated that Abela referred to improvements in conditions and workers’ wages as well as tax cuts and the signing of collective agreements.

Energy, Environment, and Public Cleanliness Minister Miriam Dalli said that the government is proud of the workers of Clean Malta. “Malta is cleaner, it is more beautiful, and people are seeing the results of the hard work of our workers. Cleanliness leads to a healthier environment, with healthier communities”. She continued that the unprecedented investment being made in the sector is not only leading to more modern and sustainable equipment but is also helping to increase the skills of workers.

Dalli concluded that such action is contributing to Malta remaining attractive for investment and for the government to continue investing in people.