June deadline exceeded by 16 road projects

Jul 11 2021

With 37 road projects that were set to be completed by June, 16 of these have exceeded their aforementioned deadline. Infrastructure Malta stated that half of them will be finalised in the coming weeks, with Times of Malta having reported last month that around 121 road projects were being carried out. An agency spokesperson told Times of Malta that the delays were justified in that in nine of the roads, the final asphalt layer will be completed in the coming weeks as originally planned.

This, according to the spokesperson, is to ensure a ‘uniform surface with less asphalt joints between roads, augmenting the quality and durability of the new infrastructure. Roads are already open to drivers but the nine roads were not named by the agency. On the other 7 projects, works on 2 specific ones are on hold awaiting related works. As for the additional five projects, other entities are extending the planned timeframes to carry out additional works.

Unforeseeable conditions of roads, such as weak foundations, were part of the deadline extension. Many drivers on Maltese roads have been reportedly getting stuck in traffic jams in multiple locations due to the several road works and confusing signage.

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20,000 COVID-19 fines issued in first six months of 2021

Jul 11 2021

Home Affairs, Law Enforcement and National Security Minister Byron Camilleri revealed that during the fist six months of the year, around 20,000 fines related to COVID-19 were issued. These health restriction breach related fines were dished out between January and June of 2021, with enforcement entities still hard at work to ensure that no individuals, groups or establishments break the health regulations in place with the COVID-19 pandemic still a very real threat.

Responsible and cooperative behaviour from the public is crucial in easing restrictions, protecting everyone from spread and even ensuring that a summer of work for Maltese and Gozitans is possible. Normalisation is still on the agenda, as restrictions are constantly being eased given the epidemiological situation in Malta. The Minister however still emphasised caution and cooperation by the public, especially as the Euro 2020 final draws closer.

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Photo Source: Malta Police Force FB, Byron Camilleri FB

Police presence to increase during and after Euro 2020 final

Jul 11 2021

Given the heated tensions rising as the Euro 2020 final approaches tonight, police presence and enforcement is set to increase during and after the match to ensure public safety. Minister for Law Enforcement and National Security Byron Camilleri and Police Commissioner Angelo Gafa appealed to the public, especially football fans, to keep health restrictions and safety in mind as they celebrate the big event.

Along with local police and Civil Protection officers, the Police corp will be increasing their presence in roads and areas likely to experience gatherings.

Gafa pointed out that there is not enough policemen to ensure enforcement and so the public should cooperate during and after the match is over. The cooperation and caution of the public will also ensure that there is no more spread of COVID-19, saving both lives and the works of Maltese and Gozitans.

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The Maltese English vs Italian football rivalry and its origins

Jul 11 2021

Malta’s history of being governed by both the British and Italian forces seems to have ramped up into tonight’s Euro 2020 final. Football fans, apart from being at the edge of their seats tonight to see who takes the cup home, will also be expressing their boiled-up feelings in regards to the opposing team. Italian was Malta’s official language for around four centuries but in 1880, the British took control and tried to change everything.

Language wasn’t the only area of tension when it came to the English vs Italian dilemma. It trickled into the political landscape, going well beyond Malta’s independence in 1964. The rivalry moved onto the football pitch, with the younger generations, historian Henry Frendo explains, not recall where it came from. Maltese fans of the Italian team enjoyed the matches on Rai, but English supporters would listen to the matches on Rediffusion.

Whenever the two forces lock heads on the pitch, the rivalry reemerges. Since 1993, the clash of these two titans happened 27 times, with both their first meeting and latest one ending up in a 1-1 draw. The ritualised act of taunting (in Maltese ‘pika’) is not available to the population on an everyday basis. Football, along with things like feasts, give the public a chance to do so.

The pandemic, which closed off many events and possibilities to enjoy company, will undoubtedly give more fire for this ‘pika’ to occur. The game is set for tonight and many are gearing up. Health authorities still remind everyone of the precautions against COVID-19. Other than that, Malta will be experiencing yet another English VS Italian historical clash. Who will you be vouching for?

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Photo Source: Sky Sports