Environment Minister Leo Brincat announced the setting up of a directorate for the environment and climate change within his ministry to highlight the distinction between policy-making and enforcement.
The Malta Advisory Council on the Environment would be set up in the coming months with independent members.
Mr Brincat said he had spoken of the need for a better balance between conservation, sustainable development and the environment in the Mepa national conference. There was the need of more discipline among other government entities, other stakeholders and civil society. The Government had consulted with all stakeholders and environment NGOs on the demerger of the planning and environment function at Mepa.
Turning to Wasteserv, Mr Brincat said that under the previous Administration the contractor had been given a six per cent top-up on his commission by the company. More workers than necessary had been employed and there was racial discrimination, with people with dark skin being paid less than others.
A new management structure was being planned for Wasteserv. This included an internal audit function and a new CEO for corporate services. The new management at Wasteserv had made changes, including transparency, in the tendering system.
He said there was agreement on the waste management policy and an education awareness campaign was being planned making use of EU funds and involving all stakeholders.
Mr Brincat accused the former PN government of having planned to introduce a blanket tax on waste over a 15-year period but the plan had been kept under wraps because of the election.
Capital funds were spent on recurrent expenditure without prior authorisation. The PN Administration implemented just 14 per cent of its National Environment Plan. Labour did not discard it but had talks with government departments to ensure its implementation.
Mepa had been given the task of policymaking even though its function was that of a regulator. This caused problems when it sought to enforce its own rules.
The farmers’ market was left in a situation of idleness
Speaking on green jobs, Mr Brincat said the private sector had an important role to play.
The Government had invited foreign experts to acquaint itself with other countries’ experiences in the sector. He thanked the Irish Embassy, which provided speakers and facilitated an exchange of ideas.
While the Environment Ministry was not responsible for permits and regulations with regard to trees, it set up a consultative committee on trees. The ministry proposed to Mcast to offer a course on tree trimming and this would happen come January.
Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes referred to the animal centre Ċentru San Franġisk, saying the perception was that it was a Government entity when it was private practice. This would be discussed with the operator and improvements would be carried out.
Mr Galdes said the previous Administration spent €100 million in EU funds, yet the farmers’ market was left in a situation of idleness.
While it had undertaken a €4 million project to improve the fish market, fishermen had no place where to berth their vessels and unload fish.
There was a lot of work to be done to have a slaughterhouse up to EU standards.
The EU had threatened to close the slaughterhouse because former minister George Pullicino was keen on cutting inauguration ribbons in gardens but ignored farming and agriculture.
Speaking on the fishing sector, Mr Galdes said the Government obtained more EU funds than its predecessor. It was a sector that could benefit the Maltese economy.
Marlene Farrugia said the Mistra Ridge development permit should be revoked. She criticised the project for the heavy and irreversible environmental damage this and similar development would cause. The Labour Party had been elected on the environment ticket and should keep this banner high. She added that agricultural permits should be heavily scrutinised.