Snuffing out incandescence

When I recently visited the children's creche in Sliema, led by the Ursuline Sisters, I announced that residences, including volunteer-run residences such as institutes and convents, which house more than 10 people, would be entitled to an extra allocation of free energy-saving bulbs. The government, ever-conscious of the needs of these organisations, felt that it was only fair to adjust the scheme to ensure that these residences are given additional vouchers that will entitle them to 10 bulbs for every 10 individuals living there, rather than the present maximum of 10 bulbs irrespective of how many people live in the residence.

In this way, we would be assisting these residences further in reducing their energy consumption.

The energy-saving bulb scheme had a total allocation of €4 million from national funds. Like most other initiatives, it, too, had its fair share of stumbling blocks, including court action taken by importers against each other.

Thankfully, court action was stopped after successful mediation efforts by the chairman of the Malta Resources Authority (MRA).

Sometimes, individuals did not receive the vouchers they were entitled to. It is worth mentioning here that the allocation of vouchers was determined by the number of persons registered with the Water Services Corporation (WSC) at each residence and similarly, the number of energy-saving light bulbs each household was entitled to. It emerged, for example, just to cite one common practice, that when people got married, they often failed to register their change of status.

Consequently, they still appeared on the WSC database as living at their parents' residence. The cases received were all investigated and verified by the WSC, and once the necessary checks were concluded, the vouchers were mailed.

Overall, the scheme served its original purpose and helped to strengthen, in a tangible way, a culture targeted at reducing electrical consumption. When we had originally mooted the idea of this initiative before the last election, the Partit Laburista had tried to poke fun at the scheme. At the time, we were convinced of the validity of our actions and we remain convinced to press forward to continue moulding mindsets in favour of energy conservation and this in our own interest and in the interest of future generations. - October 21.

More park(ing) spaces

A veritable transformation is underway at Ta' Qali where, in a few weeks' time, we will be inaugurating the fourth extension of the National Park which will be known as Adventure Park. The location was originally a runway and until recently served as a road/parking area, with all the dangers and hazards associated with its use.

If construction works continue at the same brisk pace, the park is set for completion in December, just in time for children to enjoy themselves outdoors in a safe environment during their Christmas holidays.

The adventure park will have two main areas: a multi-purpose area geared for children between the ages of six and 12 that will have age-appropriate play equipment, and another fitness area offering a high rope course for young adults to burn off some energy. Some of the equipment can be used also by persons with special needs. The adventure park will also have five water features, some of which will be interactive.

I wish to thank Bank of Valletta and the American Embassy in Malta who are backing us to the tune of almost one-third of the overall cost of this project, which has a total value of €1.3 million. A special word of thanks also goes to the Parks Department and all its employees, without distinction, who are working incessantly to complete this unique project within the set timeframes. - October 16.

Energising generations

We often hear the words "emissions", "pollution", "targets" and "limits" bandied around. Only too often, however, we are not fully cognisant of the financial implications of addressing such issues.

We may have heard or read the news that Enemalta Corporation will be carrying out modifications to the power station boilers to reduce emissions that are projected to cost around €20 million. The modifications - planned to be completed by 2011 - will further decrease nitrogen oxide and dust emissions. Enemalta had also announced that an application for EU funding to recover the expense of this boiler-modification project is also being prepared.

The government has already taken steps to address the emissions issue by, for example, using low sulphur fuel. However, this type of fuel has increased the government's expenditure considerably, by no less than €7 million annually on average, but this was necessary to ensure that sulphur oxide emissions are well within the applicable limits.

Sometimes the term "environment" tends to be an abstract notion. But, in reality, the environment necessitates substantial and sustained financial investment.

The government is committed to have facilities that are compliant with EU regulations but we must all bear in mind that there is a hefty price tag attached to the umbrella term "environment". - October 14.

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