Malta Guilty Of Breaking Sewage Treatment Rules – EU Court

Oct 18 2024

Opposition leader Bernard Grech raised alarm over the European Court’s decision, which found the Maltese government guilty of releasing untreated sewage into the sea.

Grech criticised the Prime Minister for misleading the public, stating that the situation stems from the government’s flawed economic approach. He argued that the rapid population growth has overwhelmed Malta’s infrastructure, and the government has not taken the necessary steps to address these pressures.

Grech emphasised that this verdict highlights the government’s neglect in ensuring sufficient sewage treatment facilities.

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He noted that Malta is violating EU laws by discharging sewage without undergoing proper secondary treatment, especially in sensitive areas. While the government pointed to recent upgrades in treatment plants, Grech insisted these efforts fall short of what is required.

The Nationalist Party (PN) has repeatedly warned that Malta’s sewage treatment plants lack the capacity to cope with increasing demand, particularly in the north and south of the island.

The European Court also highlighted that Malta would not meet EU standards until 2026, which means continued pollution of Maltese waters.

Grech warned that the government’s refusal to acknowledge the problem puts Malta at risk of further environmental damage, financial penalties, and potential health risks for its population.

#MaltaDaily

KFC Malta Celebrates Founders Week With Intense Chicken Cook-Off

Oct 18 2024

KFC Malta has once again celebrated its heritage with an exciting Founders Week event from 30th September to 4th October. This annual celebration honours KFC’s iconic founder, Colonel Sanders, and highlights the brand’s dedication to delivering its world-renowned chicken, made with the Colonel’s secret recipe.

A key highlight of the week was the highly anticipated “Two Head Challenge” cook-off, where top chefs from KFC outlets across Malta competed for the coveted title of KFC’s 2024 Brand Chef. The chefs included Mark Eskander (Gżira), Akhildev Radhakrishnan (Mosta), Bishnu BK (Airport), and S.K. Krishna (Bay Street), who went head-to-head in a thrilling competition.

The judging panel awarded first place to Bishnu BK from KFC MIA (Airport), securing the prestigious Brand Chef title. Mark Eskander from Gżira came in second, followed by S.K. Krishna from Bay Street in third, and Akhildev Radhakrishnan from Mosta in fourth.

In line with KFC’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, the event also featured a donation to the Tomasina Cat Sanctuary. KFC Malta continues to showcase its blend of tradition and innovation, celebrating both its founder’s legacy and the talent of its skilled chefs.

During KFC Founder’s Week, staff members across the country were also celebrated for their hard work and dedication in delivering the Colonel’s recipe to chicken lovers every single day.

#MaltaDaily

Italy Bans Couples From Seeking Surrogacy Abroad

Oct 18 2024

Italy has passed a controversial law criminalising couples who seek surrogacy abroad, with penalties including up to two years in jail and fines of up to €1 million.

The bill, spearheaded by the far-right Brothers of Italy party and supported by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, extends an existing 2004 surrogacy ban to include those seeking surrogacy in countries where it is legal, such as the US and Canada.

Proponents argue the law protects women from exploitation and upholds traditional family structures, with Brothers of Italy lawmakers emphasising the uniqueness of motherhood and condemning surrogacy as “surrogacy tourism.”

However, critics argue the law disproportionately targets same-sex parents, as surrogacy is often their only option to have biological children in a country where same-sex marriage is also banned.

Opposition lawmakers and LGBTQ+ activists protested, labelling the law discriminatory and legally ambiguous. Concerns were raised about its implementation, such as how evidence for convictions would be collected and whether the law could be applied retroactively, which would violate Italian law.

The bill also faces criticism for potentially complicating the registration of birth certificates for children born to Italian citizens abroad.

#MaltaDaily

Over 403 Million Containers Collected Since 2022 BCRS Launch

Oct 18 2024

Over 403 million containers have been collected since the Beverage Container Refund Scheme (BCRS) launched in Malta on November 12, 2022.

This total includes 357,443,632 containers deposited in reverse vending machines and 46,096,348 manually collected from shops and catering establishments, according to Energy and Environment Minister Miriam Dalli.

Despite this large number of returns, nearly €2 million worth of vouchers given to people in exchange for their deposited bottles and cans have yet to be redeemed.

Up until September, €35,202,734 worth of vouchers were issued, but €1,978,429 remained un-exchanged.

Some of these vouchers have expired, as they have a 12-month validity period, though many may still be valid.

The BCRS was introduced to incentivise the return of single-use beverage containers by adding a 10-cent refundable deposit to the sale of beverages.

Consumers can recoup the deposit by returning the empty containers to retailers or reverse vending machines, of which over 300 have been installed across Malta and Gozo.

Minister Miriam Dalli shared these details in response to a parliamentary question by Nationalist MP Ian Vassallo.

#MaltaDaily