The Nationalist Party on Tuesday said that it launched the process for carrying capacity studies to be carried out in every locality across Malta and Gozo.

"This will allow for infrastructure investment to be based on the real needs of residents," it said.

The PN said that this initiative was one of its pledges ahead of the June 2024 local council elections. "Today, in the face of a Government that has given up and shut its eyes to this reality, it is the PN that is taking concrete action."

In a press conference held at Gardjola Gardens in Senglea, PN Leader Bernard Grech announced that, in the coming days, PN local councillors will be presenting a motion in every council where they are elected, requesting official scientific studies on the carrying capacity of their localities. The aim of these studies is to determine what infrastructure investment is necessary in each locality to ensure sustainable development and to maintain the quality of life that every citizen deserves, the party said.

"A year ago we made a clear promise that our councillors would take this initiative, and today we are delivering on that promise," Bernard Grech said. "This is further proof that the PN not only speaks - it acts, even from Opposition."

"Grech reiterated that this proposal comes in response to the uncontrolled population explosion under the Labour Government, while infrastructure has fallen behind and continues to deteriorate, resulting in a sharp decline in people's quality of life. Constant road congestion, waste management problems, and mounting pressure on public services are just a few examples," the party said.

"The Government has failed to act. No direction, no genuine investment, and certainly no commitment to address this crisis," Bernard Grech said. "We believe things must be done through planning. And in order to plan effectively, you first need to understand the needs, not act blindly."

The PN "is showing it is ready to lead with responsibility. Its councillors will request these studies so that every town and village in Malta and Gozo can develop a clear vision and concrete plan for the future."

"We are doing this because we genuinely care about the future of our localities," Bernard Grech concluded. "Every citizen has the right to live in a safe and well-organised environment, and the right to a quality of life that respects their dignity."