The budget’s greener side: a dedicated agency to keep Malta clean

A new agency will be set up to coordinate the upkeep and cleanliness of public spaces • Lands Department to become 'autonomous'

Photo by Cleansing Services Directorate, showing a cleanup that took place at Kordin industrial area
Photo by Cleansing Services Directorate, showing a cleanup that took place at Kordin industrial area

A new agency will be set up to coordinate the upkeep and cleanliness of public spaces, Finance Minister Edward Scicluna announced. 

In improving the general environment of the island, the government will also develop sports facilities in Kalkara, Xghajra and Marsaskala.

Marsaxlokk, which will be hosting the LNG tanker for the coming years, will undergo a regeneration project whilst a public consultation will be launched to develop a regeneration plan for Birzebbuga.

Dubbed community compensation projects, Fgura, Mosta, Paola and Haz-Zebbug will be amongst the localities that will directly benefit from new projects.

A new advisory committee will be responsible of enforcing waste management in public spaces.

Struggling with increased construction sites, the government will launch afforestation projects in Bahar ic-Caghaq, Swatar in Msida – opposite Mater Dei – Wied Blandun and Bormla.

Malta’s second biggest national park, Inwadar National Park, will be developed at Zonqor Point, whilst l-Argotti, St Philip’s Garden and Mall will be turned into botanic gardens in a project expected to cost over €3 million.

A new camping site will be identified whilst the Ta’ Qali picnic area has been earmarked for an “upgrade”.

The finance minister also announced a reform in the Lands Department, which is set to become an autonomous department.