Change in electricity billing to allow users to benefit from cheaper benefits

Jan 27 2022

A new utility billing system was announced by Energy Minister Miriam Dalli, through which consumers will make use of all cheap units allocated for a year. An anomaly in the current billing system saw some consumers paying more despite a yearly allocation of cheap units. The change is set to correct for this anomaly, with Dalli revealing in parliament how further details will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

‘We will be announcing details on how anomalies that a PN government introduced in a 2009 legal notice will be repealed. The system will apply to consumption from the beginning of January 2022. Work is already underway, stated Dalli. The system will allow families to make us of all allocated units in each band. The Minister mentioned how the system is being developed and tested and that the necessary changes to the 2009 legal notice will be made.

The minister contrasted to the PN government back in 2008, whom their only solution, she said, was to increase utility bills. The labour government under Robert Abela she said is up to the challenges. ‘We have a different mentality and we are up to the challenges.’

‘Yesterday the Eurostat figures showed how energy prices increased by around 10% but locally they increased by 0%’ said Dalli. ‘We will not do as the PN Government, deduct eco contribution and increase utility bills for businesses, jeopardising jobs in the process. Our strategy is to promote responsible consumption as per the national decarbonisation and sustainability plans.’

Dalli also explained how during 2021, Malta Enterprise approved 113 projects with foreign and local investment. The total investment €175 million and generated 1,700 jobs. ‘The figures are provisional but I can confirm that the investment in our country for 2021, during a pandemic year, was more than that in 2020.’

#MaltaDaily

‘Close class windows’ teacher laments due to freezing temperatures

Jan 27 2022

Maltese teacher Sandra Gauci took to social media to raise her concerns at the fact that teachers cannot close class windows due to COVID restrictions – a measure which is having physical damaging effects. Gauci, who is also an ADPD candidate, posted to Facebook a photo of her own fingers which have been impacted with chilblains (locally known as seqi). Chilblains is a medical condition characterised by vessel damage in the skin of the hands and feet and is made worse by cold temperatures.

Gauci appealed to the government to listen to her plea and all those in the classroom suffering the consequences as they have prolonged hours in such conditions.Her post also appealed to parents to make sure their children are dressed up with enough clothes to combat the cold weather.

The teacher said that sometimes, the cold does not even allow her to think clearly, comparing the classrooms to those of Charles Dickens – a nod to rundown school conditions in the author’s writings such as Oliver Twist. She concluded by asking for more power to be granted to school heads so that they can do what needs to be done and not await orders. The post was widely shared, calling for some sort of action to be taken.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Sandra Gauci FB

Election ‘will be over by June’ says Prime Minister amid rumours

Jan 27 2022

After election rumours resurfaced, mostly given the announcement of Pope Francis’ visit in Malta in April, Prime Minister Robert Abela addressed the situation – only to keep everyone guessing some more.

Tuesday and Wednesday saw social media blow up with speculation of when the general election will take place. The announcement that more, if not most, COVID-19 measures will be lifted in February, also fuelled the fire of when the election will take place.

However, the Prime Minister simply left everyone guessing more, telling reporters that ‘it will be over by June’. With dates such as 12th March being floated around, the Prime Minister may opt for an early June election.

This would take the administration to its natural end. Should he go for this decision, parliament can be dissolved at the start of May. The latest a general election can be held is September 2022, but the Prime Minister has absolute discretion to call an election any time beforehand.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Robert Abela FB

Adrian Muscat identified as man who tragically lost his life in Ta’ Qali incident

Jan 27 2022

Adrian Muscat has been identified as the 40-year-old worker from Għargħur who sadly lost his life yesterday after an incident in Ta’ Qali. Muscat is a father of four, described as an exemplary man and a hard worker.

Tributes to the man poured in on social media, many mourning the loss of a father, friend, husband and fellow citizen. The incident happened yesterday at around 18:30, after two men, one of them Muscat, operating heavy machinery were involved in an accident.

Muscat allegedly fell out of the vehicle which got toppled over. He was pronounced dead on spot. Another man, a 35-year-old from Imġarr, was taken to Mater Dei hospital for further medical attention.

An inquiry has been opened and further investigations are still ongoing. Rest in Peace and deepest condolences to all his family.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Malta Police Force Communications.