A bidder for the Malta-Gozo tunnel project has been shortlisted

Sep 14 2021

One bidder out of four who submitted an offer to build a tunnel between Malta and Gozo has been shortlisted by Infrastructure Malta. The first hurdle was only surpassed by a consortium of five companies – UK’s Equitix, Japanese Itochu, Turkish companies Yapi Merkezi and Maykol and French company Egis. Eliminated from Infrastructure Malta’s tendering committee where rival bidders Malta-Gozo Fixed Link Limited, Salini Impregilo SpA and CGYI Malta-Gozo consortium. The appeal period for the decision closes September 20th 2021.

Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg revealed last year that the government would not be funding this tunnel project, with all construction and maintenance costs going to the winning bidder. The government will instead maintain control of all the inert material that would be generated as part of the project. The Minister also revealed that the tunnel project is financially viable even lacking state subsidies. The tolls would only be determined at the end of negotiations with the bidder being considered.

Support for the project is split right down the middle, according to a recent Times of Malta commissioned survey. 41.6% agree whereas 38.8% disagree with the project. Respondents from Gozo tended to show more disagreement for the project, racking up at a total of 41.5% expressing disagreement and 37.7% in favour.

The project was first initiated by the Nationalist government back in 2021 following a series of studies. The current proposal would see a 13-kilometre-long tunnel with one traffic lane heading in either direction along with a safety lane being constructed. Environmentalist groups have raised alarms about the project’s potential impact on both islands and the seas connecting and surrounding them.

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Photo Source: Ian Borg FB, Archidose of Malta

Do LGBTIQ+ have more rights than cis-straight persons?

Sep 14 2021

Following the opening of a new office by the LGBTIQ+ community in Gozo, comments flooded social media stating how members of the community have more rights than cis-straight persons. Following the influx of comments which criticised the opening (such as;’What about a Straight Office?’), Malta Pride released an explanatory post asking whether or not their claims were actually grounded in reality. The post opened by answering the question simply – no.

Malta Pride however still took the time to explain why this is, revealing that LGBTIQ+ people ‘don’t enjoy any special rights or privileges. This community has to constantly fight for its right to be recognised as an equal member of society like its cis-heterosexual counterpart.’ It pointed out how members of the community still experience shame, discrimination, mistreatment and other horrific acts of hate.

‘That is why dedicated services are necessary’ said Malta Pride. The post continued by saying that what is being perceived as privilege is actually ‘the result of visibility of LGBTIQ+ finally living their true selves as equal members of society.’ The post highlighted how people like those who commented are used to perceiving the world as being made up of cis-gendered (non-trans) straight persons.

‘Homosexuality is still considered a criminal offence in 70 countries around the world. Trans people are twice as likely to be victims of crime. Before you say we enjoy more rights, ask yourself why we have to fight our way to become equal members of society. After all, we may be fighting for someone in your family to be recognised as well.’

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Photo Source: Malta Pride FB

England first country to require electric vehicle chargers in all new homes

Sep 14 2021

A 2021 legislation will be introduced by the British government which will require all newly built homes and offices to include electric vehicle chargers in England. All new homes and offices will be required to feature ‘smart’ charging devices which can, during off-peak periods, automatically charge vehicles. Electrek reported that new office blocks will need to install a charge point for every five parking spaces.

This is a world first – an initiative which will also help boost the confidence of those who transition from gas cars to overcome range anxiety. Many homes in England don’t have off-street parking or garages but the proposal is part of the movement to rapidly boost the number of chargers across England ahead of the 2030 Uk ban on new fossil-fuel vehicles. The mandate is expected to kick off in 2022.

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Photo Source: Intelligent Living

Italian champions Inter release kit inspired by inclusion and equality

Sep 14 2021

Inter have today just announced their long awaited 3rd kit inspired by equality and inclusion. This comes after their Brothers of the World and Brothers Universally United campaigns that fought racism in football and out of football.

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In their statement about the kit, The Nerrazzuri had this to say “The Nike 2021/22 third kit takes its inspiration from the values of inclusion and equality, which have been part of Inter’s DNA since the club’s very inception.” and “The club’s founding principle is reiterated inside the kit with the words “Brothers and Sisters of the World”.

Inter will reportedly debut this kit tomorrow night when they welcome Real Madrid to the San Siro to kick off their Champions League campaign. The Italian champions will be hoping to improve their European form and finally reach the Round of 16 for the first time since 2012.

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