Up to 1,300 applications for electric vehicle grants in 2022

Mar 21 2023

It was revealed by Parliamentary Secretary Chris Bonett that more than 1,300 applications for grants to help pay for electric vehicles were submitted in 2022.

This was done during the launch of a €15 million scheme for the purchase of new electric vehicles by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Aaron Farrugia and Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett.

This scheme for the purchase of new electric vehicles, including new motorcycles, for private individuals, non-government organisations, businesses and private companies is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).

This grant scheme shall support the purchase of new electric vehicles in EU Category L, M and N, consisting of passenger cars, vans, goods-carrying vehicles, minibuses, coaches, quadricycles, motorcycles, and pedelecs, with the aim of reducing the number of older conventional motor vehicles from the road.

Minister Farrugia explained that this is just one scheme out of many that Transport Malta will be launching in order to promote the use of cleaner vehicles. “Through this scheme, we are continuing to promote the use of cleaner and more environmentally sustainable means of transport. This is a direct investment in people, as we are not only offering them financial help to replace their vehicle, but also a direct investment in better air quality. It is worth reminding that the transport sector is the biggest contributor to air pollution and thus as a government, we will continue to invest in this area,” stated Minister Farrugia.

Parliamentary Secretary Chris Bonett said that the scheme for electric vehicles financed by the RRP is helping the transport sector become more sustainable and decrease emissions caused by private vehicles. “€50 million are allocated over three years, whereby €15 million were allocated in 2022, a further €15 million will be allocated during this year and the last 20 million by the end of 2024, so that more drivers switch to electric vehicles,” stated the parliamentary secretary.

From his end, Transport Malta’s (TM) Chief Officer for Land Transport Pierre Montebello said that as a transport regulator in our country, TM is committed to offer more opportunities to promote better and more environmentally sustainable transport. “We launched this scheme precisely for this reason, and together with other initiatives such as free public transport, TM is ensuring that we have cleaner, more efficient and sustainable transport in our country,” he added.

Applicants who have purchased their vehicle from 1 January 2023 onwards and who meet the scheme’s criteria, are eligible for this scheme. More information is available here.

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Culture Minister Owen Bonnici visits last Mużika Mużika rehearsals

Mar 21 2023

Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici visited the last preparations and rehearsals for beloved festival Mużika Mużika at MFFCC, Ta’ Qali.

There, he got the opportunity to meet the musicians, singers and organisers of this beloved televised event.

Minister Bonnici said that year after year this event proves to be a continuous success. ‘For the third consecutive year, this prestigious festival will celebrate Maltese song, music and language through 20 original songs.’

‘It is truly a wonderful thing to witness these artists and organisers filled with energy and enthusiasm. We should truly feel proud with this Maltese talent’ concluded Bonnici.

On his part, Festivals Malta Chairman Aaron Zahra said that technicians and artists are currently working on the last few polishings for the show to launch as well as the rehearsals with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.

‘I encourage the public to follow this festival and give the local artists the support they deserve. We are committed to give the public a beautiful spectacle, whether they follow from home or from our live audience.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Annabelle Stivala said that this festival is a very important platform which celebrates local music and artistry. ‘This is a festival which is close to the hearts of many Maltese. To hold such a festival, there is need for over 300 pairs of hands.’

‘These included technicians, artists, musicians, a production team and many more. I wish the participants all the best and thank everyone who in some way or an other contributed to the success of this festival’ she concluded.

Mużika Mużika will be held on Thursday 23rd, Friday 24th and Saturday 25th of March in MFCC, Ta’ Qali. The three shows will be broadcasted live on Television Malta. For more information on tickets and other important details, please follow this link.

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Food and housing see highest inflation rates in February 2023

Mar 21 2023

According to new statistics, the highest inflation rates in February 2023 were registered in the housing and food sectors at 14.27% and 12.19% respectively.

Prices for private households have been found to have increased by 7.11% over February of last year. This represents a rising trend. This is up from the 6.94% registered in January 2023.

Meanwhile, the 12 month moving average rate for February stood at 6.64%. on the other hand, the lowest annual inflation rates were registered in Water, electricity, gas and fuels at 0%.

Transport and communication followed closely at just 1.96%. Food was also at the top in terms of the impact on the annual inflation rate. An impact is a measure showing the change in inflation as a result of the inclusion of an index.

Food ranked at the top largely due to higher prices of take-aways. The second and third largest impacts were measured in the Housing Index (+1.13 percentage points) and the Other goods and services Index (+0.65 percentage points), mainly on account of higher prices of house maintenance services and cleaning products, respectively.

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Jake Vella’s parents wish young athlete a special birthday

Mar 21 2023

ake Vella, who just turned 14-years-old, was congratulated on this special day by his parents Josie and Maruska, despite their son celebrating from Mater Dei Hospital.

The parents took to Facebook to state that despite this birthday not being what they all wished for, being celebrated from Mater Dei, it’s still a special one for them.

This is because they still get to celebrate Jake’s life with him and they get to see Jake recuperating despite all the medical tribulations he is currently overcoming.

‘The smile and determination you have can overcome any battle’ wrote Jake’s parents. The birthday was also celebrated by Puttinu Cares, with the NGO writing:

‘Happy Birthday to Jake Vella. Many tell you that you are an inspiration, but for us you are more than that…. For us you a lovely living legend and fill us with courage, determination and above all love. Thank you to your lovely parents. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.’

And on behalf of MaltaDaily, we would like to wish Jake a happy birthday as well!

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