Metro system study welcomed by Nationalist Party

Oct 3 2021

The Nationalist Party issued a statement welcoming the publication of the study concerning a Malta metro station made by international experts. Following the release of plans by the government, showing a 25 station metro set to cost around €6.2 billion, the Oppositional Party stated that such a proposal had already been put forth by them as the 2017 general election approached.

The party stated that they continue ‘to believe that efficient and affordable mass transport is a must for Malta. We encourage all stakeholders to make their voices heard in this process to ensure the best outcome possible, one that benefits suers all over the country and finally combats Malta’s traffic problem.’

During the reveal, Minister Ian Borg pointed out how this is a proposal which goes beyond elections and will most likely span multiple legislatures. This entails the bringing together of multiple political parties for the completion of this massive project.

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Photo Source: Bernard Grech FB

Prime Minister to meet Pope in Rome this week ahead of December visit

Oct 3 2021

Prime Minister Robert Abela will be heading to Rome to meet Pope Francis on Friday, ahead of the Pontiff’s Malta December visit. The visit has been confirmed by a website dedicated to Vatican affairs reports, with ACI Stampa revealing that the two will be discussing the trip to Malta taking place before the end of the year.

There have still been no official dates released, with the report indicating that Pope Francis will be in Malta on the 2nd and 3rd of December before flying off to Cyprus on 4th December and then ending the trip in Greece on the 5th and 6th December.

The Church leader’s visit in 2020 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Abela isn’t the only world leader the Pope is set to meet before 2021 comes to an end as he is set to meet US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

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Photo Source: Robert Abela FB, American Magazine

Qawra Point to become no-hunt zone after four flamingos shot dead

Oct 3 2021

Four Greater Flamingos were shot dead on Saturday morning by 23-year-old hunter Miguel Zammit. The young hunter pleaded not guilty, but request for bail was denied, resulting in Zammit being taken to prison. BirdLife Malta stated that a bird watcher witnessed a flock of flamingos being killed at Qawra Point, subsequently calling the authorities on the alleged culprit.

Following the retrieval of four flamingo carcasses by the Armed Forces, the non-profit organisation BirdLife Malta reiterated its call to Prime Minister Robert Abela and the government to make Qawra Point a protected area and a no-hunting zone. This has been insisted by the organisation for a number of years. Following the incident and court developments, Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia released his statement;

Farrugia declared that it is currently being decided to make the zone a no-hunting area, with BirdLife Malta taking over as guardians through a newly signed deal. The organisation welcomed the governmental decision, stating that they are happy to see common sense prevailing. Despite acknowledging the fact that another four highly-protected bird species had to be killed for this to occur, the decision was welcomed with open arms.

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€6.2 billion underground Metro proposal stretches 25 stations across Malta

Oct 3 2021

The government has officially unveiled the proposal for a three-line underground metro system for Malta, stretching 25 stations all across the island. The project would take around 15 to 20 years to fully construct, costing around €6.2 billion, revealed London-based consultants Arup Group. A first phase would however be operational within five to eight years, and would cost an initial €3.9 billion. Incorporating three lines which cover a total of 35km of track, the metro will be completely underground except for a short area between Naxxar and Bugibba.

€6.2 billion underground Metro proposal stretches 25 stations across Malta

It will run from Bugibba to Pembroke, Birkirkara to Valletta and Mater Dei to Cospicua, with stations located at hubs across Malta’s main urban areas. The network will not extend to Gozo after studies concluded that there needs to be a population increase of 50,000 to make the link viable to the sister island. Prime Minister Robert Abela spoke about the study allowing a mature and informed discussion on mass transportation, which includes whether or not the country is ready to undertake such a spanning project.

Abela said that this proposal shows that Malta is ready for ambitious reforms and that the government will continue to lead an honest discussion with the goal of understanding what future our children will wish to inherit. Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg revealed that the studies were aimed at prompting discussion around project related issues. These include understanding and justifying the cost and time it could entail.

Borg stated that for the first time, ‘a government-commissioned proposal that looks beyond elections’ and which ‘could span multiple legislatures to truly plan for future generations’ is being put forward. Borg acknowledged the high level of private car usage in Malta, stating that the new plan would offer alternatives and promote a culture shift. In the meantime, upgrades to road networks remain necessary, having led a €700 million revamp to Malta’s road network in recent years.

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Photo Source: Ian Borg FB, Robert Abela FB, MaltaGov FB