Project Green: €350 Million Investment, 118 Projects

Oct 23 2024

Next year, Project Green will regenerate 120,000 square meters of open spaces as part of plans to complete 19 new projects.

This effort is part of a broader action plan by the agency, which is currently working on 118 projects covering an area equivalent to 240 football fields.

During a press briefing, Environment Minister Miriam Dalli and Project Green CEO Joseph Cuschieri outlined the agency’s ongoing and upcoming projects. These will benefit the public over the coming months and years.

Among the highlighted projects are four urban spaces in Ta’ Giorni, Mikielang Sapiano in Ħal Luqa, Merino Garden in Ħal Lija, and Triq Nerik Scerri in Ħal Kirkop, totaling 8,000 square meters, which will be transformed for residents.

More spaces, such as the Fruit Garden in Mtarfa, the Żebbuġ Zone in Ħal Għaxaq, and the Simar Nature Reserve in San Pawl il-Baħar, are expected to be completed by 2025 through the Community Greening Grant initiative.

Other projects include the regeneration of San Anton Gardens, Ġebel San Martin, the Pinetum in Floriana, and the first phase of the San Ġwann project.

Minister Dalli emphasized Project Green’s ambitious seven-year plan to improve the quality of life through open spaces. Cuschieri added that the agency remains committed to delivering these projects efficiently and sustainably, benefiting families across Malta.

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Pizzeria In Germany Raided After Serving Cocaine Sides

Oct 23 2024

Police in western Germany raided a pizzeria accused of serving cocaine alongside menu item number 40. Authorities were tipped off in March by food inspectors, prompting drug squad officers to monitor the restaurant.

When they attempted to arrest the 36-year-old manager at his apartment, he reportedly threw a bag of drugs out the window, directly into the arms of waiting officers.

In the apartment, police found 1.6kg of cocaine, 400g of cannabis, and €268,000 in cash. Despite being briefly released, the manager resumed selling both drugs and pizzas, allowing investigators to further track the drug supply chain.

This led to a major bust weeks later, where 150 officers raided two cannabis plantations in Mönchengladbach and Solingen, discovering a total of 360 plants.

Homes and businesses linked to 12 suspects were also searched, resulting in three arrests, including a 22-year-old believed to be the head of the drug operation.

Weapons, money, and luxury watches were also seized.

The pizzeria manager was rearrested while trying to flee the country and remains in custody. Police have not disclosed details about others involved in the operation or the cost of the pizza-drug combo, though the number 40 pizza was reportedly a popular item.

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‘I Was Given 3 Years, But I’m Grateful To Be Entering My 9th Year With ALS’

Oct 23 2024

Bjorn Formosa, a prominent figure in ALS awareness, celebrated his 38th birthday with a heartfelt message of gratitude and hope. Diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) nine years ago, Formosa was initially given just three years to live. Despite the challenges of living with this debilitating condition, he expressed his gratitude for the extra years he’s been granted, stating, “It is certainly not an easy life, but I am happy that we are helping many people.”

To mark the occasion, Formosa launched a special birthday fundraising campaign, encouraging supporters to donate. The funds raised will go towards ongoing ALS initiatives that provide support for those affected by the condition. As an added incentive, donors have the chance to win a Christmas trip, further motivating people to contribute.

Formosa continues to inspire many with his resilience and dedication to making a difference for the ALS community. His message remains clear: through continued support, lives can be changed.

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COLA Expected To Be Set At €5.24, Spunt.mt Predicts

Oct 23 2024

According to Spunt.mt, the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2024 is expected to be set at €5.24. This annual adjustment, awarded to all workers, compensates for inflation experienced over the previous year.

The COLA is calculated using a fixed formula based on the minimum wage and a basket of essential products.

Spunt.mt’s economists projected the COLA figure based on inflation data published in September, ahead of its official announcement in the upcoming Budget.

According to NSO, in September 2024, Malta’s annual inflation rate, measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), dropped to 2.1%, down from 2.4% in August.

The highest annual inflation rates in September were recorded in Education (4.1%) and Miscellaneous Goods and Services (4.0%). In contrast, the lowest rates were in Communication (-5.1%) and Clothing and Footwear (-2.0%).

The largest upward pressure on inflation came from the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Index, contributing +0.61 percentage points, driven primarily by higher vegetable prices. Restaurants and Hotels (+0.56 percentage points) and Transport (+0.30 percentage points) also contributed, reflecting increased costs in restaurant services and car maintenance.

On the downside, Communication (-0.19 percentage points) and Clothing and Footwear (-0.08 percentage points) saw price declines, particularly in mobile services and clothing.

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