The loan amount without interest on the 10% deposit will increase

Mar 13 2023

The government announced that for first-time buyers, the loan amount without interest on the 10% deposit will increase. The Minister for Social and Affordable Accommodation, Roderick Galdes, made the announcement today, stating that the government has fulfilled its election promise to strengthen this scheme, which will help more people become home owners.

Under the new scheme, the maximum deposit that the Housing Authority is willing to cover will be raised from €17,500 to €22,500. This means that first-time buyers who qualify for this assistance will now be able to acquire a property worth up to €225,000. The initiative aims to help first-time buyers who are under 40 years old and are eligible for a bank loan on property but do not have the liquidity required to pay the required deposit of 10% upon signing the agreement to become home owners.

In addition to the loan amount increase, the government offers other assistance programs to first-time home buyers. These include a stamp duty exemption, a grant of €15,000 if the property is in the heart of a village in Malta, or €30,000 if the property is in the heart of a village in Gozo, and a grant of €10,000, with a payment of €1,000 per year over a period of 10 years.

The CEO of the Housing Authority, Matthew Zerafa, applauded the government’s efforts to strengthen the scheme. He said that the work of the Housing Authority does not stop with the introduction of new schemes but consistently continues to see how they continue to be strengthened over time. He also stressed that the scheme has already helped more than 200 families become home owners and that they will continue to reward courage and ensure that the scheme can meet the necessities of the coming years.

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“This can be a new start”; Franco Debono says ‘people are angry’ in light of survey results

Mar 13 2023

In light of MaltaToday’s recent survey results showing the Labour Party’s ‘worst result ever’, lawyer and former PN MP Franco Debono took to social media to share his two cents on the matter.

Debono stated that “the survey shows the people are fed up” and “very angry”, which anger can be seen in the survey results. In a string of Facebook status addressing the matter, Debono encouraged the PN to keep its feet on the ground and approach politics with humility and caution as the people continue to ‘wake up’.

The trust barometer survey results state that the gap between the Labour Party and Nationalist Party stands at 8,500 as it stands within margin of error.

The survey states that PL lost eight points compared to last February, while the PN gained six points.

“God bless, this earthquake of a survey condemns the government in the same week Joe Azzopardi was made Standards Commissioner”, the lawyer stated, going on to state that the survey reflects not only the hospitals scandal but various episodes of arrogance being committed ever single day including vile attacks on judicators.

What do you make of this?

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Woman dies after falling from roof of residence in Ħamrun

Mar 13 2023

Earlier today, the Police received a distress call at approximately 9:30 a.m. regarding a woman who had fallen from the roof of her residence in Triq Willie Attard, Hamrun.

The Police immediately responded and upon arrival, a preliminary investigation indicated that a 43-year-old woman had fallen approximately three floors from the roof of her own residence.

The Police called for a medical team to provide immediate assistance and an ambulance was dispatched to transport the woman to Mater Dei Hospital for the necessary treatment. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the medical team, the woman was certified dead a short time later.

The incident is currently under investigation by the Police Magistrate, Dr. Marseann Farrugia, who was informed of the case. The Police investigations are still ongoing, and no further details regarding the incident have been released at this time. It is unclear at this point what led to the woman’s fall.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time. We also extend our appreciation to the medical team and emergency responders for their swift response and efforts in trying to save the woman’s life.

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6 people reported by Malta Rangers for littering and illegal fire at Għar Lapsi

Mar 13 2023

Six individuals have been reported by Malta Ranger Unit officials for littering and illegal fire on top of a Mediterranean Thyme.

The Malta Ranger Unit Facebook page stated that the Natura 2000 site of ‘Ir-Ramla taċ-Ċirkewwa sal-Ponta ta’ Bengħisa’, Għar Lapsi in this case, continues to face visitors which do not respect the environment they are in.

The Rangers reportedly documented the illegal acts, alerted the Siggiewi & Zebbug Community Policing Team and made a report, which was enough for the police to press charges.

Photos shared by the unit show one individual throwing a plastic bottle, leftover food which attracts rats and poses a threat to breeding seabirds and ongoing fire on the protected Mediterranean Thyme.

“Fines for littering within a protected site are between €450 – €1150 (additional €300-1000 on the €150 for littering/incorrectly disposing of waste”, the post read.

The Malta Ranger Unit thanked PC218 and 981 from the Community Policy Team and the Inspector of the EPU for continuous hard work to safeguard the Maltese environment.

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