Malta Unveils €20 Million NET ZERO Campus In Żejtun: A Step Towards a Sustainable Future

Apr 3 2025

Today, the official inauguration of Malta’s new Net Zero Campus took place in Zejtun, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s commitment to sustainability and digital innovation. The €20 million investment aims to set a new benchmark in environmentally conscious, digitally enabled workspaces.

Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise, Dr. Miriam Dalli, emphasised the importance of public-private collaborations in driving Malta’s sustainable future. She stated, “Government’s commitment to sustainability is not just about reducing emissions, it’s about investing in our future.” Dr. Dalli highlighted that initiatives like the Net Zero Campus exemplify how private sector innovation and public policy can harmoniously create a cleaner, more prosperous Malta for future generations.

The development of the Net Zero Campus aligns with Malta’s broader strategy for sustainable development. The government is actively working to establish a regulatory framework for public-private partnerships (PPPs), aiming to tailor these collaborations to Malta’s unique needs. Studies on international and European models are being conducted to identify best practices and innovative approaches that drive projects benefiting the Maltese economy and society, ensuring principles of accountability, good governance, transparency, and effectiveness are upheld.

This initiative also supports Malta’s Vision 2050, a long-term strategy focused on building a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive economy. Economy Minister Silvio Schembri noted that PPPs are crucial in achieving these targets, serving as transformative tools that benefit society.

The inauguration of the Net Zero Campus in Zejtun underscores Malta’s dedication to fostering a green, digital future where no one is left behind. Through strategic public-private collaborations, the nation is paving the way for sustainable growth and technological advancement.

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Mellieħa Primary School To Be Demolished & Rebuilt

Apr 3 2025

The construction of a new primary school in Mellieħa has been announced.

The current school, built in the 1940s, no longer meets the needs of the growing community. Plans are now in motion to demolish the existing building and replace it with a modern facility accommodating 600 students.

While the project is seen as a significant investment, concerns have arisen over the temporary relocation of students. Mellieħa Mayor Gabriel Micallef supports the new school but stresses the importance of community involvement in decision-making.

He confirmed that the Mellieħa Local Council was informed in September 2023 that construction would begin in 2025. The council pushed for community-friendly features, including accessible parking, public-use halls, and sports facilities.

However, the choice of Selmun Family Park as a temporary school site has been contentious. Micallef revealed that alternative locations, such as areas near Selmun Chapel and Selmun Palace, were proposed but dismissed due to infrastructure challenges.

Despite calls for reconsideration, the government confirmed that prefabricated classrooms would be placed in Selmun Park. Micallef emphasized that certain public amenities, including a running track and green spaces, would remain accessible.

Opposition MP Robert Cutajar, however, has raised concerns about transparency. In a series of parliamentary questions, he demanded clear answers from the Education Minister on the final school plans, consultation meetings with stakeholders, and site selection criteria for the temporary classrooms.

He also questioned the number of students affected, the cost of leasing prefabricated units, and whether alternative sites were properly assessed.

Cutajar criticised the lack of public information, calling for full disclosure of permits, safety studies, and projected student population growth over the next decade.

With construction expected to last three years, the debate highlights tensions between progress and community concerns.

While the new school promises long-term benefits, questions remain over its implementation. The coming weeks will likely bring further scrutiny as residents and officials push for clarity.

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Castille’s Cannons Get Some Much Needed Care

Apr 3 2025

‘Even cannons need some care’, wrote Heritage Malta.

A delicate operation as undertaken in the early hours of Thursday morning to remove the two cannons outside the Auberge de Castille.

Along with their carriages, the cannons made their way towards Heritage Malta’s workshops in Bighi.

There, they will be given some much needed attention before facing the elements – as well as people’s handprints – again.

#MaltaDaily

19 Hunters Caught Trapping Birds

Apr 3 2025

Authorities in Malta and Gozo have apprehended 19 individuals engaged in illegal bird trapping, following reports and video evidence gathered by the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS). A total of 85 live finches were confiscated, along with 40 sets of clap nets and 10 electronic bird callers.

Among those caught was an individual previously reported by CABS in 2019 for the same offense. The man had also been accused of exposing himself towards conservationists and reckless driving in a past incident. Due to a legal technicality, his previous case was dismissed.

CABS has also raised concerns about the use of trapping sites that were previously registered under a government-supervised “finch research project.” CABS Press Officer Axel Hirschfeld described the project as controversial, arguing that it has been misused to justify continued trapping.

The organization has confirmed that its teams will remain in Malta and Gozo until May.

#MaltaDaily