Plans for a new fish market in Marsa

The Pitkali fruit and vegetable market, which has been in the news because of skyrocketing greens prices, will be given €300,000 to improve infrastructure, work conditions and ensure higher standards.

Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat has for the past months been harping on the need to reform the situation at the market because he said the prices of greens were increasing without any explanation.

Meanwhile, the central abattoir of Marsa will receive €680,000 to replace its chillers and ensure meat is delivered according to acceptable standards.

The agricultural sector will be allocated €2.6 million to honour the obligations agreed under the Special Market Policy Programme which benefits farmers.

The farmers also benefit from another aid programme under the Rural Development Plan and more measures will be announced and allocated in the coming months.

In the fishing sector, financial aid (including marketing aid) will be provided to fishermen. They will also benefit from EU aid programmes to change and modernise their fleets, and undergo training schemes.

An allocation of €300,000 will go towards the first phase of the improvement works on the Marsaxlokk breakwater. Employees with the Works Division will continue upgrading and maintaining slipways and jetties.

The government also plans to build a new fish market in Marsa and an application has already been filed with the planning authority.