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Malta Airport Breaks Passenger Number Record

Malta Airport Breaks Passenger Number Record
Aug 3 2023 Share

In the first half of 2023, the International Airport of Malta recorded a record number of passengers, with 3.43 million people passing through, indicating a 5.6% increase compared to the same period in 2019. 

This growth placed Malta International Airport among a group of European airports experiencing traffic increases.

During a press conference, the CEO, Alan Borg, highlighted the airport’s outstanding seat load factors, reaching a peak of 86% in June, matching the performance levels of 2022 and 2019.

Borg also discussed the challenges of inflation and rising air ticket prices, which could impact travel demand in Europe. He pledged to collaborate closely with the Maltese Tourism Authority to enhance connectivity with other countries.

The CEO of the Maltese Tourism Authority, Carlo Micallef, acknowledged the airport’s role in attracting record numbers of tourists to Malta. He emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities to boost connectivity and utilize Malta’s potential.

The conference also revealed that Malta International Airport’s capital expenditure for the first six months of the year amounted to approximately €8 million. 

The airport plans to complete the first phase of works on Apron X by summer 2024, adding three operational aircraft parking stands. The extensive rehabilitation of Runway 23-05 is scheduled to begin in the last quarter of the year.

#MaltaDaily 

What Will The Jean Paul Sofia Public Inquiry Investigate?

What Will The Jean Paul Sofia Public Inquiry Investigate?
Aug 3 2023 Share

In the aftermath of the tragic death of Jean Paul Sofia due to the collapse of a building under construction, the government has established a public inquiry to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The terms of reference for this public inquiry are comprehensive and aim to shed light on the factors that led to the disaster, evaluate existing regulations, identify potential lapses, and propose measures to prevent such fatalities in the future. Here is an overview of the seven key points of reference that will guide the inquiry process.

 

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1. Legality of the Site Allocation

The first point of reference in the public inquiry is to ascertain whether the allocation of the construction site to AllPlus Limited by government entities was conducted in accordance with the law. This will involve scrutinizing the allocation process, assessing relevant documentation, and determining if any discrepancies or irregularities occurred during the selection of the site.

2. Relationship between Allocation and Building Collapse

The inquiry aims to establish whether there was a direct relationship between the way the site allocation was made and the subsequent collapse of the building, leading to the tragic death of Jean Paul Sofia. Understanding this connection is vital in identifying potential factors contributing to the structural failure and holding those responsible accountable.

3. Assessment of State Regulations and Enforcement

To ensure accountability and safety standards, the public inquiry will examine whether the state had appropriate regulations in place regarding construction site safety. Furthermore, it will investigate the extent to which these regulations were enforced and adhered to during the planning, development, and construction phases of the ill-fated building.

4. Measures to Prevent Future Fatalities

One of the primary objectives of the public inquiry is to evaluate the adequacy of measures in place to prevent such fatal incidents on construction sites. The inquiry will examine safety protocols, risk assessment procedures, and emergency response plans to determine if they were adequate and effectively implemented.

5. Comprehensive Examination of Planning, Development, and Construction Process

The entire process of planning, development, and construction of the collapsed building will be subjected to meticulous scrutiny. The inquiry will delve into the architectural and engineering decisions, quality control measures, and construction methodologies to identify any shortcomings or negligence that contributed to the building’s collapse.

6. Identification of Entities Failing to Take Action

The public inquiry will investigate if any state entity or authority was aware of potential risks associated with the construction site but failed to take appropriate action to mitigate them. This aspect aims to highlight any bureaucratic or administrative failures that may have contributed to the tragic outcome.

7. Recommendations for Construction Site Health and Safety

Finally, the inquiry board’s key responsibility is to compile a comprehensive report based on the findings and present actionable recommendations for enhancing health and safety measures on construction sites. These recommendations will play a crucial role in preventing similar tragedies and ensuring the welfare of construction workers and the public.

The public inquiry into the death of Jean Paul Sofia marks a crucial step towards uncovering the truth behind the building collapse and enhancing safety standards in the construction industry.

With a clear focus on the seven points of reference, the inquiry board will be well-equipped to examine every aspect of the incident and propose necessary reforms. The completion of the inquiry is expected to take place within five months, followed by the prompt publication of the report.

Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that the government is holding to the duty of publication in releasing the Terms of Reference.

With the family of Jean Paul Sofia consulted in the establishing of the terms, the government expressed it’s willingness to see justice prevail in its totality.

The Nationalist Party welcomed the public inquiry, but noted that were the public inquiry to begin earlier, as has been called for by the Opposition and other activists, justice would have already taken place. ‘Jean Paul’s mother, father and loved ones were left waiting for months asking and pleading.’

#MaltaDaily

Gzira United Advance To 3rd UEFA Europa Conference Qualification Round

Gzira United Advance To 3rd UEFA Europa Conference Qualification Round
Aug 3 2023 Share

Despite their last match loss against Luxembourger professional football team F91 Diddeleng, Gzira United managed to pass through to the third UEFA Europa Conference Qualification Round. 

The Maroons, as they are locally known, pass to this stage for the second consecutive season – this time after having managed to pass through an aggregate of 3-2. 

Diddeleng scored the initial two goals of the match, with the first finding the net in the 38th minute. The Maltese players managed to keep them away from scoring into the second half, before Samir Hadji scored his second in the 84th minute.

@gziraunitedfc

What a match, mixed emotions, mixed feelings….but we’re on to the next round. We always pray to God and to our Lady of Mount Carmel #pray #fyp #fypmalta🇲🇹 #gziramalta #gzira #europaleague

♬ original sound – Gzira United FC

The Maltese however found their chance and took it, with Jose Wilkson scoring in the 87th minute and bringing his team into the 3rd round. 

Gzira will be facing their next opponent depending on who wins the confrontation between Kosovo’s FC Drita and Czech Republic’s Viktoria Plzen. 

#MaltaDaily 

Basketball Coach Accused Of Sexually Abusing 15 Year Old Girl

Basketball Coach Accused Of Sexually Abusing 15 Year Old Girl
Aug 3 2023 Share

A 15 year old girl, part of a Maltese basketball team competing in Italy, was reportedly sexually abused by her coach between July 3rd and 10th. 

The basketball coach, who pleaded not guilty, had, according to the victim, kissed her and touched her intimately. 

The coach, currently remanded in custody, pleads not guilty to abusing his position by engaging in sexual acts, holding the victim against her will, defilement, subjecting her to sexual acts, seeking sexual favours and causing fear of violence. 

The defence requested bail, arguing that the alleged offence took place a month ago.

On their part, the victim’s lawyer argued that the girl was terrified by the incident, whilst saying that the photos posted by the victim, showing her body, were taken at a recent village feast she attended with her parents. 

The bail request was turned down by Magistrate Victor George Axiak, with a ban on names ordered by the court. 

#MaltaDaily