Two Green Projects Launched To Revamp Birgu’s Oil Depot and Town Entrance

Apr 12 2025 Share

Environment Minister Miriam Dalli and Parliamentary Secretary for Public Cleanliness Glenn Bedingfield visited two green areas in Birgu this week, alongside representatives from the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC), Ambjent Malta, and Birgu mayor John Boxall.

The first project launched the works on the former oil depot into a 1,500m² Mediterranean-style garden by GHRC. The new space will feature native plants, shaded picnic areas, winding gravel paths, and a 400m² open-air event arena.

The second project, led by Ambjent Malta, is located at the entrance to Birgu and involves a €230,000 investment. It includes soil restoration, soft landscaping, and the protection of historical underground shelters.

Minister Dalli said the government is taking a “holistic approach” to bring nature into people’s everyday lives, whether through large-scale regeneration or smaller local upgrades. “These projects are about creating spaces that are beautiful, accessible, and sustainable.”

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Maltese CPD Officials Assist Libya in Fire Investigation

Apr 12 2025 Share

Five Maltese Civil Protection Department (CPD) officials have completed a five-day mission in Al-Asabaa, Libya, where they assisted in investigating a series of unexplained fires that destroyed dozens of homes. Preliminary findings, which have been handed over to Libyan authorities, suggest the fires were not chemically caused.

The mission, carried out under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, also included experts from Finland and Estonia.

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri praised the CPD’s international support work, while CPD Director General Peter Paul Coleiro thanked Libyan authorities for their cooperation and reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to international assistance.

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Access Bank Officially Launches Subsidiary Bank In Malta

Apr 11 2025 Share

The Access Bank UK Limited has officially launched its first fully owned subsidiary in Malta: The Access Bank Malta Limited.

This strategic move reinforces growing trade ties between Europe and Africa, positioning Malta as a key player in cross-continental financial cooperation.

At the launch event, Maltese Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi hailed the milestone, saying it aligns with Malta Vision 2050 to position the island as a global financial and innovation hub.

The new subsidiary will initially employ 30 people and focus on international trade finance.

Jamie Simmonds, CEO of The Access Bank UK, noted that Europe accounts for nearly 30% of Africa’s total trade, emphasising Malta’s ideal positioning.

Roosevelt Ogbonna, CEO of Access Bank Group, described the move as part of their vision to become “Africa’s Gateway to the World.”

Renald Theuma, the first ever Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Access Bank Malta Limited, stated that the launch will “facilitate seamless cross-border trade between Europe and Africa, leveraging Malta’s unique position as a financial hub.”

The Access Bank Malta Limited will offer tailored corporate services, aiming to deliver exceptional client experiences while building strong Europe-Africa business ties.

Licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), the Sliema-based bank joins the Group’s network across Europe, Africa, and Asia, continuing its rapid expansion and commitment to global trade integration.

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Ħal Kirkop’s iSpotters Wall Officially Handed Over to Local Council for Community Use

Apr 11 2025 Share

A well-known aviation spotters’ area in Ħal Kirkop, commonly referred to as the iSpotters Wall, will now fall under the responsibility of the Ħal Kirkop Local Council.

This follows a formal agreement signed between the Lands Authority and the Local Council.

The site, which has long been a favourite among aviation enthusiasts across Malta due to its strategic location and unobstructed views of the Malta International Airport runway, will now benefit from improved maintenance and development under local stewardship.

Minister for Lands and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, noted that the agreement reflects the government’s commitment to returning valuable public spaces to the community through local councils.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli also welcomed the agreement, describing the area as an important open space not just for aviation lovers, but for families too.

Ħal Kirkop Mayor Matthew Agius Zammit expressed his satisfaction with the devolved responsibility, pledging to transform the area into a greener, more attractive, and family-friendly open space.

The council will collaborate with the Malta Aviation Society to organise educational and recreational activities that will further enhance the space’s appeal to the public.

Photo Credits: Kian Bugeja DOI

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