The government has announced it will invite the private sector to partner it in a range of projects.
Finance Minister Edward Scicluna said the private sector would be invited to submit proposals and eventually manage the St Luke’s Hospital building. He said the government would like to see health-related activity in the property, although other proposals would be considered. The government will retain ownership of the property.
PRIVATE COMPANY TO CUT HOSPITAL WAITING LISTS
He said a private company formed by surgeons and specialists is being engaged to carry out a range of operations at Mater Dei Hospital when operating theatres are not normally in use.
He said that surgeons currently employed by the government will be required to perform a certain number of operations during their normal hours, after which they will be able to carry out other operations and be paid for them by the government. Patients will not pay, but this measure will reduce waiting lists for operations.
COSPICUA HEALTH CENTRE PRIVATISED
Furthermore, a private company will also refurbish and take over the running of Cospicua health centre. Government workers will be redeployed to other areas. Patients would not be billed.
ROADS MAINTENANCE
In another initiative, he said private companies will be invited to embellish and maintain sections of road. However drivers will not pay tolls.
CONFISCATION OF ASSETS SEIZED BY THE COURTS
The government also intends to engage or partner a private company whose task it will be to actually confiscate assets seized by the courts, with current seizure orders often not being implemented.
MARSA RACE TRACK, BREAKWATER
Private companies will also be invited to partner the government in the building of a breakwater in Marsamxett, the operation of harbour transport services, the management of the Marsa racetrack and the building and running of a motorsport track and the running of the Mediterranean Film Studios.
PPP FOR ENLARGING SANDY BEACHES
The government will also be seeking private partners for projects for the enlargement of sandy beaches, better access to rocky beaches, access for divers and creation of artificial reefs through scuttling of vessels.
HOTEL IN BIGHI
The minister said the Ministry for Tourism had identified the tourism potential that Bighi could offer. Together with the National Centre for Science and the private sector, the government is studying the possibilities of developing the area into a major Mediterranean tourist centre.
More stories on the Budget at http://www.timesofmalta.com/budget
The Budget will be discussed on TimesTalk on TVM at 6.45pm tomorrow (Tuesday).