Ploughing to fruition

Acouple of days ago, the Farrugia brothers - Anġlu, Ġanni and Ġakki - invited me over to tour the 100 hectares of arable land they tend in the area known as San Blas, in the limits of Siġġiewi. The three brothers are full-time farmers who make a living growing fruit, like peaches and nectarines and others like the June pear. They patiently explained to me how grafting is carried out in such a way that the trees grow so rapidly that, within two years, they can actually bear fruit.

The Farrugia brothers also grow other crops like tomatoes, potatoes, cauliflowers and onions. Part of their land is allocated to vine-growing with good quality grapes used to produce wine like Merlot and Cabarnet Sauvignon.

It goes without saying that to farm such a vast area one needs plenty of water and specialised machinery. The Farrugias have invested in machinery to draw and store water from purposely-built wells. These farmers were able to purchase top-notch machinery - funded by the EU - that alleviate, in no small way, the physical hardship farmers have to endure. A particularly useful piece of machinery is a mechanical plough that is extremely versatile, making it easier to till around trees. One of the brothers pointed out that the tractor itself even has an enclosed cabin that is air-conditioned.

I was heartened to witness all this because it was clear that confidence in the sector was increasing. The second Rural Development Plan covering the 2007/2013 period will be providing €100 million to be utilised directly by farmers and herdsmen. In this way, we continue with our direct investment on improving the environment too - May 19.

Righting a wrong... square by square

Works are moving at such a brisk pace in St Anne Square, Sliema that, in the coming weeks, construction works will be completed and after a couple of decades the public will be able to enjoy this open area once again.

During a recent on-site visit with the Parliamentary Secretary for Lands, Jason Azzopardi, I announced that the original plan had undergone some modifications and that an 11-jet fountain would be gracing the square instead of a kiosk. The change was prompted by the government's intention to create an open space for public enjoyment. The kiosk is being incorporated in the project to embellish the Sliema Ferries that is in the pipeline.

The embellishment of St Anne Square, after the lease termination saga, is a clear sign of the goodwill and commitment on the government's part to restore a quaint square in such a popular commercial zone in the heart of Sliema. My thanks and appreciation again go to Dr Azzopardi for the invaluable part he played in the legal wrangle that ultimately led to the dismantlement of the structures that, up to a few months ago, had scarred the area.

I also wish to thank the Works Department employees who are rigorously keeping to the schedule of works that earmarked June as the deadline for the completion of the square. The works in St Anne Square are being carried out in tandem with works in the in front of the former Joinwell showroom area, where another fountain will be installed. Thus, we would have breathed new life into these two open spaces in Sliema - May 16.

Stepping it up

Earlier on this year, in March to be precise, the Beach Cleansing Unit, which previously formed part of the tourism portfolio, moved to my ministry. This made infinite sense because more synergy became possible with the Public Cleansing Department.

The 60 odd employees forming part of this unit are responsible for the general upkeep of our beaches, which are cleaned both manually and mechanically, using specialised equipment to remove the huge amounts of algae that build up at the water's edge during the winter months. Over the last few weeks, no less than 6,000 tonnes of algae have been collected from our beaches.

One of first steps taken by the unit to improve accessibility on our beaches was the replacement of the ladders leading down to the sea. The ladders' design has been modified in two main respects: they now resemble a graded set of stairs rather than a steep upright ladder and the often slippery bars have been replaced by wooden steps. It is envisaged that these ladders will be far more convenient to use and will certainly facilitate movement, especially for the elderly. In the coming weeks, the tank-like bins dotting our sandy beaches will also be replaced. Close to 200 wheelie bins will be placed along our shore-line, enabling users to separate their waste at source.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity of visiting, together with the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Mario de Marco, the Exiles beach in Sliema, where some of these new ladders were being installed. Some people seem to have the mistaken notion that the upgrading of our beach facilities is being done solely for the sake of tourists. It is an undeniable fact that tourists will certainly benefit from these improvements but, ultimately, it is the local population who spends the most time there in the hot summer months - May 13.

Mr Pullicino is Minister of Resources and Rural Affairs.

www.georgepullicino.blogspot.com