Funds allocated for the cleanliness, security and maintenance of Paceville and its surrounding areas are seriously lacking, said the Paceville Environment Protection Group (PEP) in support of a recent statements by St Julian’s Council.
The members of the group, namely Fimbank plc, the Eden Leisure Group, Penderville Ltd and Tourist Services Ltd, operators of Aragon House, all operate businesses in Paceville and have collectively invested heavily in the area over the past five years. But the group feels that the surrounding infrastructure does not reflect private investors’ heavy investment.
The allocation of resources is absurd
PEP said the allocation of resources to special areas such as Paceville, Valletta, Buġibba and Mellieħa on the basis of registered residents was “particularly absurd”. It pointed out that “the reality of the situation is that these areas see a significant influx of non-residents, both on a seasonal and regular basis, and as such require a different formula for the allocation of resources”.
The group added that government collects sizeable revenues from licence fees, taxes and VAT from businesses operating in these areas and this should be reflected in the investment dedicated to their effective maintenance.
While recognising local businesses contribution to ensure cleanliness and security, enforcement through local and national authorities is a key aspect in achieving this communal goal, it said.
PEP said the recent naming of St Julian’s as Malta’s “crime capital” must be a wake-up call for the authorities. The group has for some time been lobbying with government to address the situation in Paceville and the surrounding areas.
“While there appears to be the political will to address the situation, the reality is that any action seems to have stalled,” it said. The group said the three major areas that need to be addressed in the area were cleanliness and environmental protection (including noise pollution); safety and security; and traffic management.
The group called on the authorities to commit to address the situation effectively and within agreed timeframes; to collaborate with the private sector and other stakeholders to address issues holistically and effectively; to re-examine the allocation of current resources and determine whether any changes are required; to act as liaison between national and local authorities to ensure coordination of initiatives; to review existing legislation and introduce amendments if required; and to ensure enforcement of legislation.
On its part, PEP said its members had demonstrated their commitment to contribute towards achieving these objectives, both financially as well as through the pooling of its human resources and expertise.
In particular, the group has already offered to assist in the purchasing of CCTV cameras to be installed in the area.
It looked forward to the government setting in motion this much needed initiative.