This week, two applications for a civic centre plus public garden in two similar localities – Swieqi and San Ġwann – were approved. These localities came into being in the 1960s and expanded extensively during the 1970s and 1980s. They were both developed on agricultural and farm land.

Local products should be a natural choice for us- George Pullicino

The roots of these communities are not found in those localities, as residents moved here from other towns across Malta. Both towns, therefore, lack a major reference point, apart from the church. In fact, Wikipedia describes Swieqi as a “dormitory town”.

Ever since the Swieqi local plan was drawn up in 2006, I insisted that a space where a civic centre could be built had to be identified so as to house the local council and provide other community services. There wasn’t much choice as little undeveloped land that belongs to the government remains. We chose a plot in Triq il-Keffa, part of which was owned by the government. Over the past few years, we sought to purchase the rest of the land, which was privately owned, so that we could begin working on the project. We reviewed a number of options, yet, we finally went for the option that was most practical to make this dream a reality.

On the other hand, in San Ġwann we chose the most central area, the site opposite the parish church, which is primarily occupied by the Boċċi Club. We are therefore relocating this club to another site that has already been identified in San Ġwann. Like Swieqi, San Ġwann is a locality whose population is constantly growing. It is for this reason that this project has been designed to cater for the needs of residents and young families.

For both projects, we sought to maximise recreational space, while also developing community facilities. This was made possible by utilising split levels. Thus, the roofs will also form part of the recreational space available for families – July 27.

Hullabaloo

Earlier this week, Leo Brincat called a press conference where he tried to create a storm in a teacup by accusing an official from the Ministry of Finance of putting pressure on an auditing firm that was carrying out an audit on Wasteserv. He referred to a letter written in January in which the auditors requested further details and specific information on Wasteserv’s assets so they could ascertain the existence and value of these same assets.

After a number of consultation meetings with the auditors, the necessary information was collected and verifications made and financial accounts of Wasteserv were issued without any qualifications by the auditors last March. This was in fact stated by the auditing firm itself, BDO.

It is not true, as was claimed by Mr Brincat, that pressure was placed on the company to alter their assessment of the company’s finances. It is neither true that, as was claimed by Mr Brincat, that BDO were removed as auditors of Wasteserv. As the auditing firm itself stated, its contract was renewed for the next financial year.

After the clear and categorical denials by both the government and BDO, it is evident that these allegations by a Labour member of Parliament are unfounded. Once again, Mr Brincat rushed into making accusations without double checking the facts or he had all the facts and chose to economise with the truth. This is yet another example of lies and incompetence on the part of the opposition – July 26.

Food

Over the past three years, the abattoir has made great progress, particularly due to the government’s investment of €2 million on a number of structural works. This investment includes a new refrigeration system of six chillers where meat is stored. This system will mean that meat stored here will reach the necessary temperatures faster, saving 40 per cent in electricity consumption.

A cutting and deboning section has also been opened, whereby cooperatives such as KIM, the Pig Breeders’ Cooperative Society, can process and pack meat directly, thus providing a direct income for its members.

The massive investment in infrastructure has been complemented by the introduction of new practices replacing outdated ones that were still in place.

I would like to thank the abattoir’s management, the staff and unions who understood the need for change, even if it was somewhat painful. At the moment, work is underway to introduce a new traceability system, where, throughout the slaughter process, a computer system will collect data from the origins through the sale of the product.

An improved quality of life is also achieved by an investment in food quality and security. The investment in the abattoir is just part of the great investment taking place across the food production process that begins on farms – July 25.

Home-grown

Recently, my colleague Jason Azzopardi and I launched a public consultation process to establish a quality label – Naturalment Malti – for agricultural products grown in Malta. This label, which will be granted following evaluations carried out by a committee, aims to inform consumers of our country’s quality produce.

We have the luxury that it only takes a few hours for agricultural products to be picked, processed and reach our kitchen table. This is not the case within larger countries where distances make this process much longer. Our local agricultural products also benefit from sunlight that makes them tastier.

Local products should be a natural choice for us. Yet, at times, there is no visible indication that a particular product is local. Therefore, the document we just published outlines a number of criteria through which genuine Maltese products may be granted the label to prove that they are Naturalment Malti.

Producers and organisations recognised by the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs will be able to apply for this quality label on products such as fresh milk, processed tomatoes, fresh fruit and vegetables, pork and chicken, among others. In the future, it will also be possible for traditional products that may not necessarily have an agricultural base, such as Maltese bread, to also benefit from this label – July 21.

http://georgepullicino.blogspot.com

The author is Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs.