Utility rates must be realistic, PM says
Water and electricity bills should be worked out in a way that reflected what was happening in the world while encouraging people not to waste, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday.
He said increasing oil prices could not be ignored and neither could it be solved by not raising the electricity tariffs. "That is a mistake," he said, adding that someone had to pay for oil.
Addressing a political activity at the Nationalist Party's Birkirkara club, Dr Gonzi said that over the past months energy consumption had dropped by about eight per cent, which showed that people were being more careful. The energy-saving bulbs distributed by the government had made a difference in people's bills.
Dr Gonzi highlighted the importance of Malta not depending solely on one source of energy production because there could be very serious repercussions if something went wrong. In fact, a number of countries had faced major problems at the beginning of the year when Russia closed the gas pipeline, with some factories even being forced to close down.
"We need gas turbines, photovoltaic and wind," he said.
Asked how the government would be financing its energy projects, including the interconnector between Malta and Sicily, Dr Gonzi said a technical explanation would be given shortly.
He stressed the importance of the submarine cable between Malta and Sicily, which could also be used to sell any excess energy produced, even by private investors involved in wind farms.
He said the Labour Party was trying to make the people forget the global financial crisis. The PL always feared change. "Had we listened to them, we would be as backwards as countries in a nearby continent," he said, referring to African states.
However, he said, certain decisions needed to be taken, including reforms in various sectors.
Dr Gonzi pointed out that, although there were people who had lost their jobs, Malta's unemployment rates were among the best among the 27 EU member states.
Regarding illegal immigration, Dr Gonzi said he received e-mails which he was embarrassed to even read.
"Let us not forget that these are people like you and me," he said, appealing to the opposition to also pass on the same message.
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Claire Said
Nov 3rd 2009, 10:05
"Let us not forget that these are people like you and me," he said, appealing to the opposition to also pass on the same message.
If these people are like you and me, then why don't we even know who they are? I have to give my details wherever I go, and can't even go to Sicily, the nearest foreign country, without paperwork and fees and identification. Yet these people "like you and me" are allowed into our country without any identification. For all we know among these people are wanted killers. They live off OUR taxes, which we pay to supposedly make out country a better place. Most of them don't work, yet are constantly talking on their mobile phones. They are given more allowance then I was given when I was a student. Moreover, they don't appreciate what they are given FOR FREE, or rather WITH OUR TAXES. I am a nationalist, but tell me, if these people are like YOU AND ME, then why don't I get all the benifits that they do? And why can't I just decide to emmigrate to some other country without giving proof of who I am?
R. Mallia
Nov 3rd 2009, 08:57
realistic in relation to what? lousy paychecks?
john micallef
Nov 3rd 2009, 08:56
sorry, forgot to mention this also, if you are comparing me with an illegal immigrant, i am taking this as an offence. as far as i know, i am contributing to my country and not bleeding its social services dry.
john micallef
Nov 3rd 2009, 08:54
you must have made the bills reflect international oil prices even when the average barrel was $50 in the previous months. now that oil is hicking up once more you will for sure raise water and electricity tariffs. thanks our dear pm
Phil Press
Nov 2nd 2009, 12:52
IS THIS MAN REAL ??. When does he make a statement, that is anywhere, near common sense ?, or reality.
I notice in today's article, the paragraph mentioning, the reduction of consumption. (yesterday in the Times Of Malta), where he stated people were saving, utility usage.because of the high COST.Is missing
The % saving is not on the lack of usage but the lack of tourist's using' utilities. Which surprise surprise include Electricity and Water. People here still have to use water and electricity, to live, or survive.
As for wind farms, well I think this government, could power several wind turbines, with all the hot air they blow.
Steve Rogers
Nov 2nd 2009, 11:15
Dear Louise,
Your thoughts and frustrations are shared by many Maltese (except the ruling class?!). I for one was embarrassed to read this article and find out that the PM thinks we are children and some of our emails are not worthy to be considered while at the same time treating us like children by trying to convince us the utility rates need to be increased. I remember last year the price of oil was $140 a barrel, now its $77. So taking this into consideration shouldn't last years rates actually be slashed IN HALF???
louise vella
Nov 2nd 2009, 11:01
“Dr Gonzi pointed out that although there were people who had lost their job …”
Dr Gonzi did not point out that there were legal and illegal immigrants working in Malta. He did not point out that ETC catches only a small proportion of illegal employees and employers and when brought to court they get only a symbolic fine which does not discourage anyone from continuing to work and to employ people illegally.
louise vella
Nov 2nd 2009, 10:22
“Regarding illegal immigration, Dr Gonzi said he received emails he was embarrassed to even read”.
I never sent Dr Gonzi emails, but I went to see him and told him about my dissatisfaction with his complacent attitude to the illegal immigrant problem. If I send him emails I would get something like this:
“Dear you, I was embarrassed to even read your email about Malta’s invasion by boatloads of African illegal immigrants. By voting for GonziPN you voted for a safe pair of hands to defend Malta’s Christian values above all other considerations. When His Holiness Pope John II spoke from Independence arena he told us to maintain our Christian values. When I was received by His Holiness Pope Benedict I told the press I was happy the Pope knew about my activities in Catholic Action. Next year the Pope will visit Malta and tell us about the Maltese welcome to St Paul who was like the illegal immigrants. I shall tell him that as long as I’m around Malta will defend its Christian values. And to hell (sorry!) with the cost to the Maltese taxpayer, national identity and security and other nonsense”.