[WATCH] State of Valletta infrastructure and cleaning service ‘unacceptable’ – Jason Micallef

State of Valletta infrastructure and cleaning service ‘unacceptable’ – Jason Micallef

It was unacceptable that, a mere four months before Malta and Valletta took on the presidency of the European Union and 16 months before Valletta becomes Europe’s cultural capital of 2018, basic standards like garbage collection and street signage in the capital city were still way under par.

Jason Micallef, chairman of the Valletta 2018 Foundation, said it was unacceptable that garbage was collected at all hours, while Maltese and tourists sat down at a roadside table for a coffee or entered Valletta to for shopping or cultural activities.

Micallef said that the Valletta local council, with whom the foundation was working closely in the buildup to 2018 and whose mayor was one of the foundation’s governors, did not have sufficient funds to allocate for a decent garbage collection service.

He said that the economic and cultural realities today were much different than five or seven years ago, when the council was allocated the funds for the garbage collection service. More fund were needed today in view of the city's economic and cultural growth.

“Everything is coming together for 2018 with regards to projects, events and finances,” he said. “However, for this to be a successful European Capital of Culture year, other entities need to communicate with us to bring infrastructure up to par.”

The Valletta 2018 Foundation expressed concern at the 'unacceptable state' of the garbage collection system in the capital (Photos: Chris Mangion)

The local council had agreed, for example, to remove the numerous skips that littered the city.

Micallef called on the government to look at resolving the matter urgently and expressed concern that the capital’s basic standards with regards to cleaning services, but also road management and general infrastructure – were not sufficient.

He said the foundation was also in discussion with the Planning Authority regarding major infrastructural projects in Valletta, including private development.

“There needs to be constant consultation with the foundation to avoid any major works taking place on the eve or during Malta’s presidency of the EU and during the European Capital of Culture year,” Micallef said.

He also announced the foundation would shortly be installing state-of-the-art digital interactive information boards around Valletta, in partnership with the private sector.

These boards will allow residents and tourists alike to access instant information about Valletta as well as news, current affairs and weather updates.