PN proposes more pedestrian zones in new environment plans

Sep 3 2021

The Nationalist Party has made seven new environmental proposals on Friday, with one in particular pushing for more pedestrian zones. This announcement was revealed by environment spokesperson Robert Cutajar alongside MZPN President Gabriel Micallef. Cutajar said that the time of putting up billboards saying the environment is a priority is over as the party plans to make ‘attainable and doable’ proposals. The proposals include everything from creating a tree map and green scoring system for all localities to give back green spaces to the public.

All localities are set to get pedestrian zones along with protection for farmers and the land they farm while promoting biodiversity in urban spaces. Free access to public spaces, a national fund for the protection of historic buildings and gardens and incentives for residential homes to become environmentally friendly are all part of the PN’s environment-focused plans. Micallef stated that as the opposition, they recognise that the government has made an effort in this regard but it was ‘less comprehensive than the one being proposed today.’

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Steve Compagno, Robert Cutajar FB

Recycling record set for Malta’s 2021 reveals Environment Minister

Sep 3 2021

Since WasteServ’s inception in 2002, this year is set to be record breaking in terms of collected recyclables. Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia revealed this whilst visiting the Sant’ Antnin waste treatment plant in Marsaskala. WasteServ has streamlined its operations and managed to surpass the ground lost since 2017.

Estimates show that for 2021, around 18,000 tonnes of good quality material will be recycled and returned to the economy. This translates into around 5,500 tonnes of cardboard and paper, with 3,500 tonnes of metal, 7,000 tonnes of glass and 2,000 tonnes of plastic.

The Minister said that this is a confirmation of how the government is working to deliver better environmental contexts for future generations. ‘Hard work combined with the determination to deliver concrete results in a sector that faced stagnation for a number of years, has led to sharp and quick improvements.’

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Aaron Farrugia FB

Marsa wins first title of Town of Culture and €200,000 fund

Sep 3 2021

Speaking at a press conference, Culture Minister Jose Herrera named Marsa as Malta’s first ever town of culture. The locality will be given a €200,000 fund to implement a cultural programme throughout all of next year 2022, which will see carnival activities, a Christmas village and various other music and fireworks shows.

The Minister, who contests on the first district which also includes Marsa, praised the council of the locality for their win in the inaugural competition. Herrera described the locality as a hidden gem possessing a number of historical areas which have regenerating potential.Marsa mayor Josef Azzopardi highlighted how this prize will help upgrade Marsa, bringing in the public to see what it has to offer.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Jose Herrera FB, TheMayor.eu

England to make pet abduction new criminal offence as cases increase

Sep 3 2021

Following a rise reported thefts during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, pet abduction is set to be made a criminal offence in England. The theft of a pet is currently treated as the loss of an owner’s property, but ministers are calling for a new law that acknowledges the emotional distress it can cause. The pet theft Taskforce found that around 2,000 dogs were reported stolen last year, with the proposal being set up to tackle the increase during the lockdown. The report found that seven in ten pet thefts recorded involved dogs.

It is not known what the maximum sentence for a new offence of pet abduction might be. The report also reveals that the price for five of the UK’s most desirable dog breeds significantly increased during the first lockdown. Said to have risen as high as 89%, the Taskforce suggested this potentially made dog theft more appealing to criminals seeking profit. Google searches for ‘buy a puppy’ increased by over 160% in the months after England’s first nationwide lockdown began.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: The Connexion