Shared Mobility Project Connecting Hal Luqa & Gudja Announced

Nov 15 2024

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works, Chris Bonett, has announced that Infrastructure Malta will launch a new, safer walking and cycling route to connect Ħal Luqa with Gudja.

This shared mobility project is part of the Vjal Kulħadd initiative, which received 37 applications from 32 local councils in Malta, along with four non-governmental organisations.

The approximately one-kilometre route will link these two communities, underscoring Infrastructure Malta’s dedication to fostering active mobility, alternative transport, and improved accessibility and connectivity in public spaces.

It will include a dedicated cycling lane and pedestrian pathways beginning at Triq il-Gudja, stretching through Dawret il-Gudja, moving along Triq Bir Miftuħ, and ending at Ġnien Raymond Caruana.

Minister Bonett noted that the route will provide a secure option for active mobility to both communities. “We need to move beyond viewing mobility as just cars and Tallinja buses, particularly in the urban centres where we live.

Our urban infrastructure requires a qualitative leap to reflect the mindset shift we’re encouraging,” he stated.

Steve Ellul, CEO of Infrastructure Malta, highlighted that the project demonstrates the progress achievable when prioritising sustainability, accessibility, and community needs.

Through Vjal Kulħadd, Infrastructure Malta aims to increase safe pedestrian and cycling routes while supporting sustainable alternative transport options.

#MaltaDaily

Worm That Can Eat Plastic Discovered In Kenya

Nov 15 2024

Scientists have identified an unexpected potential solution to plastic pollution: the lesser mealworm, a beetle larva from the Alphitobius genus.

Originally native to Africa, the lesser mealworm has shown the ability to consume and break down plastic, particularly polystyrene, a common material in packaging.

The discovery is especially promising for Africa, which struggles with high levels of plastic pollution despite producing only a small fraction of the world’s plastic waste.

In a study published in Scientific Reports, researchers found that the larvae could consume up to 50% of the polystyrene they were fed, and efficiency improved when the plastic was mixed with bran or grain husks.

Gut bacteria, including strains of Kluyvera, Lactococcus, and Klebsiella, play a critical role in digesting the plastic by producing enzymes that break down its complex polymers into simpler, harmless compounds.

The findings open up potential applications in plastic recycling, where scientists may one day harness these bacteria or enzymes to process plastic waste.

Researchers are exploring whether these bacteria are inherent to the mealworm or acquired after exposure to plastic, with future studies potentially leading to methods of converting plastic waste into valuable insect protein for animal feed.

#MaltaDaily

St Venera Girl Guides Plant 16 Trees At Romeo Romano

Nov 15 2024

In late October, the Santa Venera Girl Guides commemorated 30 years of friendship, learning, and community service with a meaningful tree-planting ceremony at the Romeo Romano Gardens.

To honour this milestone, the group planted 16 trees, each symbolising their enduring commitment to nurturing the environment and fostering unity within their community.

Each section of the Girl Guides participated in the ceremony, making the event a collective celebration of their shared values.

The youngest members, the Dolphins, eagerly planted trees with the belief that their small efforts could create a lasting impact.

The Brownie Guides likened the care required to nurture trees to their personal growth, understanding that they, too, thrive with “water, sunshine, and love.”

For the Guides, the young trees represented resilience and hope, while the Rangers and Young Leaders reflected on the significance of deep roots—both for the trees and their connection to the community.

Leaders guided the ceremony, celebrating 30 years of challenges overcome, friendships formed, and positive contributions to the environment.

As these trees grow, they will serve as a living testament to the Girl Guides’ dedication to kindness, courage, and environmental stewardship, inspiring future generations to build a greener, stronger community.

#MaltaDaily

Shaun Farrugia’s ‘Crying Alone On A Saturday Night’ Out Now

Nov 15 2024

Maltese singer and songwriter Shaun Farrugia has officially released his brand new single, ‘Crying Alone On A Saturday Night’, today.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shaun Farrugia (@shaunfarrrugia)

In a post on social media, featuring moments he shared with his partner Ylenia, Shaun explained that this song is dedicated to her and about ‘the lonely nights (they) both go through’.

‘I’m sorry I’m sometimes so far away’, wrote Shaun, a nod to his international music career taking him all over. ‘But I can’t wait to see you soon.’

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A post shared by Shaun Farrugia (@shaunfarrrugia)

‘Crying Alone On A Saturday Night’ is officially out on all streaming platforms. Have you given a listen yet?

#MaltaDaily