The Vittoriosa ditch, which is 9,800 metres square and stretches from below the entrance to Vittoriosa under Couvre Port to the Kalkara waterfront, will be transformed into a recreational garden where one may appreciate the majestic bastions that surround Vittoriosa.
Our apparent problems seem insignificant when compared to the challenges being faced elsewhere- George Pullicino
This is possible, now that Mepa has approved the permit for the rehabilitation of the ditch.
The previously abandoned ditch and dilapidated bastions will be given a makeover, including trees, shrubs and water features, as well as a passageway made out of recycled materials, and blends in with the surrounding environment.
The water to be used to irrigate the garden will come from reservoirs that are already found in the area, from which water currently remains unutilised.
The trees in the ditch will be retained, except for those trees growing over the 18th century Caponier that was recently discovered. These trees will be transplanted within the same ditch. Spaces will be created where people may sit down and appreciate the heritage of this fortified town, which is being restored to the dignity it deserves.
The rehabilitation of the ditch is part of a series of works that are being carried out in Vittoriosa, including restorations on 4km of bastions, the rebuilding of the archway that reconnected the St John Bastion, a new garden that will replace the oil depot overlooking Kalkara and the paving project and installation of new services in the oldest part of Vittoriosa, known as the Collacchio, which is expected to begin at the end of the year.
Vittoriosa has, undoubtedly, never seen so many projects. These works are testament to the Government’s belief in Cottonera’s potential and its commitment to raising the standard of living for its residents.
These projects are creating employment, both directly and indirectly due to other private investments in the area, so much so that the Malta Tourism Authority has eight requests for the opening of hostels or guest houses in Cottonera, which, until a few years ago, would have been undreamt of – October 5.
Comparisons
This week I read through the proposed 2013 Budget put forward by the Greek Government for discussion in the Greek Parliament.
It is a Budget that epitomises the bleak situation the country finds itself in. The harsh measures that are being proposed to reduce the deficit from 6.6 per cent to 4.2 per cent of GDP include a drastic cut in public service salaries and pensions, reduction in social security payments and reductions in spending on education, health and defence. Other fiscal reforms are also being proposed, including increasing the pensionable age from 65 to 67.
This Budget is part of a vast austerity programme for the years 2013-2014, which must be agreed to by the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund. We must not forget that, over the past few months, Greece already increased its income tax and property tax. Economists forecast that, with such newly proposed measures, Greece’s economy will shrink for six consecutive years by another four per cent.
This is the reality in our backyard. While reading this, I couldn’t help but think, wouldn’t the Greeks be envious of the problems and ‘crises’ that we are facing? Our apparent problems seem insignificant when compared to the challenges being faced elsewhere. This does not mean that all is a bed of roses here but we should, at least, put our problems in perspective – October 4.
Schooling
As I read today’s news regarding the assistance that the Government is providing to private schools, I couldn’t help but recall an article of mine published by The Times in November 1995, entitled Private Schools: Towards Reducing The Burden On Parents.
Back then, I argued that “The reality is that, for a number of reasons, tuition and other fees at most non-state, non-Church schools are proving to be beyond the reach of a good number of Maltese families. This is restricting access to a number of children. It is also proving to be an excessive burden to be borne by those parents who send their children to these schools not capriciously but on the basis of a recognised human right and national policy”.
I went on to say: “I am convinced that it is about time that the issues of access to private schools be placed on the national agenda. Such a debate should focus on the need of state support to the educational institution or the parents and the formulation of a policy which addresses the difficulties being encountered by private schools.”
I am pleased to note that, since 1998, the Government has recognised this issue and continues to address it by assisting parents who send their children to private schools.
Every year, about 4,400 families benefit from tax rebates, which were increased again in last year’s Budget. Over the past four years, these families have benefitted from a saving of €8 million in taxes.
The scheme launched today assists private schools in services and works carried out since January 2012 and is valid for three years. The funds will be allocated according to the number of students registered at the beginning of the scholastic year.
I am proud to form part of a government that is investing in our children’s education and encouraging the notion that parents should be able to choose where they send their children to school. The opening of private schools is part of the political heritage of governments led by the Nationalist Party. It is therefore fitting that the Nationalist Government should continue to ensure that such schools have solid foundations – October 2.
Olives
This morning, I visited the Grand Hotel Excelsior where the olive trees within the grounds were being harvested. About 60 olive trees are planted there, a third of which were planted by hotel employees as part of the 34U campaign. Since we set up this campaign seven years ago, over 115,000 indigenous trees have been planted.
The olives harvested from the hotel’s trees in 2011 produced 300 bottles of olive oil that was used by the same hotel. This year’s harvest collected 24 crates of olives, which is thought will produce more oil than last year.
During the 2011 harvest, 108 hectares of olive trees, which are cultivated by 200 farmers, were registered in Malta. According to the harvest declarations registered with the Agriculture Department, 23,000 olive trees were harvested, from which 70,146 kilos of olives were pressed to make 26 tons of olive oil. A total of 18,000 kilos of the olives harvested were also consumed.
Two of the people I met there yesterday reminded me of the energy and enthusiasm across our generations. Leli, who is 74 years old, exuded such passion and energy, while 11-year-old Mathias, who has just been appointed president of the San Andrea School EkoSkola committee, excitedly explained his objectives and plans for his school.
It is heartening to see such enthusiasm across generations to make a positive difference in the environment around us, rather than sit idly by as armchair critics – September 29.
http://georgepullicino.blogspot.com
The author is Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs.