‘Vjal Kulhadd’: 14 Projects Announced In Localities Across Malta

'Vjal Kulhadd': 14 Projects Announced In Localities Across Malta
Jan 30 2025 Share

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works Chris Bonett unveiled a new series of community projects under the “Vjal Kulħadd” initiative, with a €10 million investment.

These projects aim to create new public spaces across the country, with 14 selected for the first phase, set to begin this year under the management of Infrastructure Malta.

The primary goal of these projects is to foster a more active lifestyle by adding pedestrian zones, cycling lanes, and green spaces, while addressing critical infrastructural challenges like flooding and road safety.

“This initiative embodies the Government’s vision of placing people at the heart of the country’s infrastructure,” Minister Bonett stated. He highlighted how these efforts, including the Msida Creek project, are creating much-needed open spaces for local communities.

Minister Bonett also emphasised that these projects, some of which will be inaugurated soon, aim to encourage the use of alternative transport methods, enhancing both public health and the functionality of urban centres.

He stressed that “Vjal Kulħadd” brings together government agencies, local councils, and NGOs with a shared objective: to create community spaces that truly serve people’s needs.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, praised the involvement of local councils and underscored the significance of such Government initiatives. Infrastructure Malta CEO, Steve Ellul, shared the aim to complete the projects by 2026, transforming over 100 square kilometres of alternative roads.

He also noted the positive response to the initiative, with 40 applications received from local councils and environmental NGOs. Additionally, 10 more projects are being assessed for the second phase.

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Momentum & IGM Condemn Rejection Of Stronger Anti-SLAPP Measures

Momentum & IGM Condemn Rejection Of Stronger Anti-SLAPP Measures
Jan 30 2025 Share

Momentum and the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) strongly condemned the government’s decision to oppose key amendments aimed at strengthening anti-SLAPP protections.

During last night’s parliamentary sitting, the government rejected an Opposition motion that sought to extend safeguards to domestic cases and impose stronger penalties on vexatious lawsuits.

The IĠM expressed disgust at the government’s stance, criticising Justice Minister Jonathan Attard and other government representatives for prioritising increased libel damages over real protections for journalists.

Instead of engaging in meaningful reform, the government offered yet another promise of consultation—an empty commitment it has repeated since October 2023 when it pledged a White Paper on expert-recommended reforms, the IGM said. ‘No timeline for this White Paper was provided, further delaying necessary action.’

Dr. Matthew Agius from Momentum stated: “These amendments were crucial to closing loopholes and ensuring anti-SLAPP protections apply within Malta, not just internationally. Supported by the IĠM, they would have reinforced transparency, accountability, and journalist protections. Instead, Robert Abela’s government continues to leave journalists without the safeguards they deserve.”

Momentum and the IĠM said that the government’s ongoing procrastination is unacceptable. ‘Daphne’s Law’ must go beyond rhetoric and offer concrete legal protections against SLAPP cases.

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2 Men Arrested In St Paul’s Bay Shop Over Drug Trafficking

2 Men Arrested In St Paul's Bay Shop Over Drug Trafficking
Jan 30 2025 Share

Police investigations and surveillance on a shop in Triq l-Alka, St Paul’s Bay in connection with the suspicion of drug trafficking led to the arrest of two men yesterday.

The two men were a 47 year old from the Ivory Coast and a 34 year old from Mali.

Searches on the men and the shop yielded 50 packets of drugs, suspected to be cannabis, ready to be trafficked as well as an amount of money in cash.

The men are being held under arrest as police continue their investigations.

#MaltaDaily

Employee Shortage Biggest Concern For Local Businesses In 2024

Employee Shortage Biggest Concern For Local Businesses In 2024
Jan 30 2025 Share

According to the Business Performance Survey 2024, employee shortage was the biggest concern for most local businesses.

The survey, which forms part of the Malta Chamber of SME’s Barometer, revealed that 44% of a total of 364 respondents (businesses operating in Malta) think that employee shortage was the most pressing issue in 2024 Q4.

The second most urgent issue was unfair competition, which was touted by 26% of businesses. This places employee shortage at an approximate double rate of concern.

Issues with late payments, increase in inflation and excessive competition were the remaining three concerns that rounded off the top five, with 23%, 22% and 21% respectively.

The employee shortage concern was at its peak during the second quarter of 2024, whereas unfair competition increased as a concern during the last three months of 2024.

The businesses also thought that lack of good governance (42%) and levels of corruption (40%) were the top issues the country is currently facing.

#MaltaDaily