The way of the future

During the meeting for European en­er­gy ministers in Poland, my colleagues and I were taken on a 37-seater electric coach that runs on batteries that last up to 100km. It was an interesting experience on one of the first large coaches of its kind developed in Poland itself by the company Solaris.

… no less than 40 companies expressed interest in the project (DemoEV), 17 of which with regard to electric vehicles- George Pullicino

The market is fast developing a generation of electric vehicles that competes all the more with conventional ones.

The Frankfurt Motor show is currently exhibiting a number of new electric cars. For the first time this show is hosting a hall which is exclusively dedicated to electric vehicle technology. Companies such as Daimler, Opel, Renault and Mitsubishi are exhibiting models whose prices are close to those of conventional models.

There is also a prototype electric vehicle by BMW which will be on the market in 2013. It is evident that the market is understanding the consumer demands and is developing vehicles which are very similar and have the same comforts which one is used to finding in the conventional models. We have recognised the developments taking place in this sector and are therefore being proactive.

As has already been announ­ced, our national strategy for electric vehicles is in its final stages following consultation with local importers. We will also soon be launching the “DemoEV” project, which will see an investment of €1.9 million funded by the EU’s LIFE+ Programme and national funds.

“DemoEV” will create public awareness on the importance of clean energy vehicles through the use of 24 electric cars by government, private companies and the public.

We will also be installing 100 charging points for public use. After the call for information issued last July, I am pleased to say that no less than 40 companies expressed interest in the project, 17 of which with regard to electric vehicles.

This certainly augurs well for the future of this project – September 21.

A garden and civic centre for Swieqi and Ta’ l-Ibraġġ

This week I addressed an information meeting on the project for a civic centre and public garden in Triq-il-Keffa, Swieqi. It was a positive meeting that gave us the opportunity to explain the design of the project. The need for a point of reference has long been felt by the community of Swieqi and Ta’ l-Ibraġġ, whose population now reaches some 9,000 people. Many of the residents of this locality came from other localities and often find that they have no reference point to associate themselves with, apart from the Ta’ l-Ibraġġ church. So much so that Wikipedia refers to this area as a “dormitory town” ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swieqi ).

In fact, when the local plans were being drawn up, I insisted that a space that could provide a civic centre should be identified. There wasn’t much choice as there is hardly any remaining government-owned undeveloped land. We chose a piece of land in Triq il-Keffa, part of which was owned by the government. Over the past few months we did our utmost to acquire part of the remaining privately owned land so that we could begin working on this project. We worked on a number of options, yet we finally chose that which seemed least complicated for this dream to be realised.

I also presented the plans to the local council last week, which, I am satisfied to say, were approved unanimously. We were careful to ensure that the design would offer flexibility so that we could maximise the use of space. While we provided for a local council office, a community hall and other services, we also ensured that residents would be able to enjoy open spaces, such as the roof of the building. This joins up with a garden that offers more recreational space for families to enjoy.

We again confirmed the importance of presenting a model to the public. Many are unable to easily read and understand plans, making a model helpful. Applications will now be submitted with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and once permits are issued we will begin works to transform this abandoned piece of land into a bustling centre for all of the community – September 18.

A new and improved fish market

Yesterday the Mepa board approved an application submitted by my ministry for the building of a new fish market in Marsa, replacing the reverse osmosis plant that is no longer in use. The need for a new and improved fish market has long been felt. For a time, we were considering substantially upgrading the current one, yet the space there is very limited and does not allow for modern facilities and contemporary requirements.

We finally decided on relocating the fish market, also since the current site together with the building next door which previously housed my ministry, are ideal to convert into a boutique hotel close to the cruise liner arrival area, which will soon be extended. We decided to look towards Marsa, next to the slaughterhouse where food processing, both government and private, already takes place. The opposition criticised the fact that the new fish market would not be by the sea, seemingly unaware that this is the case in many fish markets across Europe. Nowadays, fish markets no longer need to be by the sea. Moreover, a very small percentage of the annual catch in Malta is taken directly to the fish market in Valletta by boat.

The building is designed across two levels: a hall for the sale of fish on the ground floor and a fish processing plant on the first floor which will also have storage facilities. It is important that we respond to the needs of today’s market and provide a processing plant where fish is cleaned and packed for the consumer. It will also consist of modern facilities and hygiene standards according to European requirements. This facility will also include a parking area for employees and visitors.

This new fish market, which will be able to host 12 middlemen, will give fishermen more space to unload their catch. Through this project, both fishermen and middlemen will work in better conditions. Over the next few days we will be publishing tenders so that works may begin. This fish market will be built through an investment of €3 million, partly funded by the EU. This project should be completed a year and a half after the contract is awarded – September 16.

Ten years after 9/11

Ten years ago today, I was in a meeting with an official from the Lands Department when at around 2.50 p.m, I received a text message from my wife: “Switch on the television now. A plane has just hit one of the twin towers in New York”. I switched on the television and our meeting quickly came to an end as we watched in horror and disbelief as the second plane hit the South Tower. Terrible scenes followed of people jumping to their deaths, firemen and police attempting to help people in any way they could; tears amid the fire, dust and smoke. A terrorist act the likes of which had never been seen before, leaving almost 3,000 people dead.

Ten years ago, Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda believed that such an attack would destroy the West. Yet 10 years on, the people’s demands for liberty and democracy against tyranny have never been stronger, including within Islamic countries such as Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Syria.

I am following part of the 10-year anniversary ceremony on television while attending a ministers of agriculture and fisheries meeting in Wroclav, Poland. I was pleased to hear President Barack Obama citing Psalm 46 from the Bible: “God is our refuge and strength”. A psalm of hope in the face of evil and suffering. In a day and age characterised by presumptuousness, Mr Obama does not shy away from referring to God. The ceremony at Ground Zero was extremely moving, especially when family members read out the names of loved ones lost on that fateful day.

A decade on, the fight against terrorism continues. Only today, American forces in Afghanistan were attacked, injuring some 50 soldiers. Yet in my opinion, this struggle will not only be won through force, but through adequate development and dialogue – September 11.

http://georgepullicino.blogspot.com

The author is Minister of Resources and Rural Affairs.