My generation has had the opportunity to witness the fall of the Berlin Wall and Communism. We remember a divided Europe and the infamous Iron Curtain, as it was called by Winston Churchill, which was the root of so much poverty and division in Eastern Europe. All that had been done in the name of the “workers” until, as of 1989, we witnessed the rise of those same “workers” against the system that held them captives. Today, most of these former Communist countries are fellow members of the European Union.
That revolution that brought about liberty, democracy and a new free way of living in Eastern Europe is now being re-enacted in the Arab world. In Tunisia and Egypt, the regimes that were supposedly for the workers, succumbed to a general uprising from peoples crying for freedom. These past few days have also been historic with the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s dictatorship in Libya, a country rich in resources that remained underdevelop ed. Oppressive rule wiped away any form of freedom of expression.
We join in the celebrations of the people who are fighting for liberty and democracy in Libya. Nationalist administrations have always been correct with their Libyan counterpart because it is in our best interest that we maintain good relationships with our neighbours. But the Nationalist Party has never been a partner with the Libyan dictatorship. The PN never thought of inviting Col Gaddafi to participate and address any of its public activities. Not the same can be said of Labour, which always boasted of a privileged relationship with Col Gaddafi.
The fall of Col Gaddafi is the first step. Libya’s dictatorship meant that the country has no institutions that could serve as the basis for democracy, liberty and free trade.
I augur that the Libyan people unite in building the institutions that will not only guarantee their political liberty but also ensure the country’s economic growth justly distributed among its citizens. The road will not be easy. The Libyan revolution, as opposed to the Tunisian and Egyptian ones, has wiped out many of the basic infrastructures. It is also the duty of the Western countries to assist the Libyan people in meeting their aspirations. – August 25.
Saving the Ċittadella
Studies were being conducted over the past two years to determine the extent of deterioration affecting the Ċittadella fortifications in Gozo. This was followed by the actual restoration works on this historically important site, which commenced last January.
Presently, works are underway on the St Michael’s bastion, which occupies the stretch of fortification overlooking Victoria. I had the opportunity recently to visit the site together with the Minister for Gozo.
The damage to the stone at Ċittadella is somewhat different from the analysis recorded at Mdina, Vittoriosa and Valletta. This is mainly due to the quality of stone used in the building of the fortifications. The Ċittadella stone is affected by alveolar deterioration. It translates into the need for a different operation including additional labour.
The works will now continue on the north-facing parts of the fortifications, which are the sections overlooking Żebbuġ. Besides the restoration itself, there will also be consolidation works on the rock face the fortifications are built on. Due to its geological characteristics, these rocks have developed fine cracks that could lead to the collapse of the fortifications.
The studies undertaken have led to the design of an anchorage to the instable rock foundations, works on which will commence in the coming weeks. The works at all sites also entail the removal of any cables and wiring by Enemalta that were not just causing an eyesore but also causing further damage. Once completed in 2013, these works would mean that about one kilometre of fortifications at Ċittadella would have been restored at a cost of €3.3 million.
Anyone visiting either Valletta, Mdina, Vittoriosa and Ċittadella can see the results of this extensive restoration project. Combined together, these four projects will involve the restoration of an area of 135,000 square metres of fortifications façades along six kilometres of fortifications, with an estimated cost of €36 million co-financed at a rate of 85 per cent from EU funds and the remaining 15 per cent consisting of national funds. – August 22
Bambinella
Everyone is familiar with the impressive sights of our fields at this time of year, which is the result of the tireless efforts of our farmers who ensure there is a constant and adequate supply of good, fresh and quality fruits and vegetables.
The UK chain Marks and Spencer had started to purchase the local bambinella three years ago to sell it in its stores. Needless to say, this produce became an instant hit, so much so that the 3,000 kilogrammes of bambinella exported in 2009 will increase to 10,000 kilogrammes this year.
Yesterday, the feast of Sta Marija, I had the opportunity to visit the fields of Ġużi Psaila and his children in Siġġiewi where they have about 200 bambinella trees. He is one of eight farmers exporting bambinella. Mr Psaila also has about 500 peach trees and 150 nectarine and pear trees. All this on 22 tumoli of land in one of the most beautiful areas of our country, known as It-Taflija, which is opposite the popular Is-Salib tal-Għolja.
While visiting the fields, Peter Axisa, CEO of the Ta’ Qali Producers Group (TQPG), which is exporting the fruit, explained that they had intended to export even more fruit but this year’s weather conditions disrupted the plans. He also explained that to enter and maintain this prestigious niche market, strong emphasis is put on the quality of the produce. This is why the TQPG is in close and regular contact with the farmers to ensure that all quality protocols established by Marks and Spencer are being adhered to.
When this story was published, a timesofmalta.com blogger commented that “it’s strange we send our best produce out and we get rubbish from abroad...” One must understand that it is the farmer’s right to choose the best market for his produce and no one should impose any market restrictions. The Maltese consumer also has different options from where to buy his/her fruits and vegetables, including that of buying directly from the farmer from the Farmers’ Market. These opportunities guarantee better returns to the farmers for their produce and hard work. This was a positive step ahead but other steps need to be taken to ensure even better market realities for farmers and consumers. – August 16
Towards greater efficiency
I had the opportunity recently to visit the centralised cooling and heating system installed at the Midi project at the Tignè peninsula. This system generates air cooling and heating through the circulation of water that is either cooled or heated by an underground plant.
This system addresses the needs of 25 apartments, 45,000 square metres of commercial establishments and all the office space within this complex. This will also mean that there is no need for the installation of air-conditioning units in every apartment, commercial establishment and office, hence, the resulting eyesores on façades.
This system will also save the complex the noise disturbances caused by the various air-conditioning units.
The biggest advantage of such a system is increased efficiency in energy consumption. It is calculated that residents will save between 25 per cent and 30 per cent on their cooling and heating expenses in their units and also saving on other maintenance costs. Moreover, whereas the average lifespan of an air-conditioning unit is of 10 years, such a centralised system has a lifespan of at least 25 years. Another advantage is less CO2 emissions whereby it is being calculated that more than 4,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions, the equivalent of CO2 emissions generated in a year by 800 cars, are saved annually.
While touring this plant, I recommended to the engineers to organise visits to this plant for local engineers and contractors so that they too can be briefed about the project. We need best practices such as this to be disseminated so that more similar initiatives are undertaken and implemented for the various realities that exist. – August 15
http://georgepullicino.blogspot.com
The author is Minister of Resources and Rural Affairs.