KWALITÀ AQWA

Kulħadd qed jitkellem dwar il-bidla fil-klima. Sas-sena 2050 għandna miri ċari li jridu jintlaħqu. Jeħtieġ li jkollna ekonomija u attivitajiet li jwasslu għal inqas emmissjonijiet.

Filwaqt li nitkellmu dwar dan qajla nirrealiżżaw li 40% tal-enerġija li tintuża fl-Ewropa hija marbuta ma’ attivitajiet fid-djar u fil-bini li aħna nużaw ta’ kuljum.

Dan ipoġġilna l-isfida li mhux biss naraw li nibnu bini li jkun isbaħ u b’metodi ta’ għolja. Imma jeħtieġ li dak li nibnu illum ikun bini li juża inqas enerġija. Din hija bidla importanti ferm li rridu nwettqu mingħajr ebda telf ta’ żmien.

Biex naslu għal dan irridu nkunu aktar effiċjenti fl-użu tal-enerġija biex il-konsum innaqqsuh kemm jista’ jkun. Fattur ewlieni li jikkontribwixxi għal konsum qawwi ta’ enerġija huwa l-bini tagħna u l-mod kif konna u għadna nibnu sal-lum. Huwa għalhekk kruċjali li nibdlu radikalment il-metodi tagħna ta’ kif nibnu biex mhux biss intejbu l-kwalità tal-bini tagħna imma naraw li dan ikun jiffunzjona b’sistemi ta’ effiċjenza fl-użu tal-enerġija.

Din il-bidla importanti nistgħu inwettquha biss jekk kull min huwa involut fil-qasam tal-kostruzzjoni u l-propjetà jagħti s-sehem s-sħiħ tiegħu. Żviluppaturi, kuntratturi, sidien ta’ propjetàjiet u l-professjonisti f’dan il-qasam fosthom project supervisors, periti u inġiniera kollha jridu jagħmlu l-parti tagħhom biex ikun żgurat li l-bini jkun jaħdem b’effiċjenza enerġetika. Issa sar importanti wkoll għall-konsumatur li jkun se jixtri l-propjetà, li jesiġi m’għand min se jixtri, li jipprovdilu binja li tkun effiċjenti fl-użu tal-enerġija.

L-istituzzjonijiet finanzjarji qed jimxu lejn sistemi ta’ evalwazzjoni ta’ self li jara x’inhuma l-kwalitàjiet tal-binja li se tiġi finanzjata.

F’dan kollu hemm settur ieħor importanti ħafna li wkoll irid jagħti l-kontribut tiegħu biex naraw li din il-bidla sseħħ tassew. Dan huwa s-settur tal-Banek u l-Istituzzjonijiet Finanzjarji. L-istituzzjonijiet finanzjarji qed jimxu lejn sistemi ta’ evalwazzjoni ta’ self li jara x’inhuma l-kwalitàjiet tal-binja li se tiġi finanzjata.  Il-konsumaturi fiż-żmien li ġej jistgħu jiffaċċjaw sitwazzjonijiet fejn l-infieq tagħhom fuq is-self li jagħmlu ivarja skont kemm il-binja li jkunu se jixtru tkun taħdem b’effiċjenza enerġetika. Propjetà b’inqas effiċjenza enerġetika tista’ tfisser rati ogħla ta’ imgħax u għalhekk il-prezz tas-self ikun ogħla jew li saħansitra ma jingħatax self.

Huwa obbligu tal-Banek u l-Istituzzjonijiet finanzjarji li jinfurmaw lill-pubbliku b’dan it-tibdil li qed jippjanaw. Il-Banek mistennija jibdew jitolbu lill-klijenti tagħhom Ċertifikati aġġornati dwar l-effiċjenza enerġetika tal-propjetà li se jkunu qed jiffinanzjaw. Dan se jsir filwaqt li l-Awtorita dwar il-Bini u l-Kostruzzjoni, BCA ser tkun qed taġġorna hija wkoll iċ-Ċertifikat dwar l-Enerġija ta’ kull binja, magħruf bħala Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Dan iċ-ċertifikat irid ikun aġġornat għar-realtajiet tal-lum għaliex kif qed jinħadem s’issa mhuwiex adekwat.

Jekk naħdmu flimkien nagħmlu l-bidliet li hemm bżonn fil-mod kif nibnu inkunu żgur qed intejbu l-kwalità. Teżisti it-teknoloġija meħtieġa biex tgħinna nwettqu dawn il-bidliet. Għandna industrija tal-kostruzzjoni li jeħtiġilha timmodernizza minn sistemi antikwati biex tilqa’ għall-isfidi l-ġodda tal-lum. Bis-sehem ta’ dawk kollha involuti nistgħu naslu biex flimkien ikollna bini sostenibbli, bini li jħares l-ambjent, fuq kollox ikollna djar aħjar u ta’ kwalità għolja biex jitgawdew mill-familji Maltin u Għawdxin.

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Towards Energy Efficiency Financing

Climate Challenges and Opportunities for Real Estate: Time for Action

Bank of Valletta – 24th January 2023

Today’s event was truly an important one. An excellent initiative at the right time. I recall meeting Kenneth Farrugia at the beginning of his tenure as CEO. It is encouraging to see that Bank of Valletta have grasped the importance of energy efficient buildings and are showing their willingness to be an important stakeholder in this change – one that can be postponed no longer. We must upgrade the level of energy efficiency of today’s buildings.

The time to act is now.

This is a change of significant importance for the Maltese Government, the business community and the country as a whole. Now is the time to join forces, with a multitude of stakeholders, but Banks none the least, to drive this change together. It is estimated that only 40% of energy is consumed inside buildings, and buildings are responsible for no less than 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. The buildings that we use could be more energy efficient.  The entire building and property sector must evolve and change to address these realities.

Behavioural changes, by building users, developers and building professionals, are needed to achieve action on energy efficiency. Purchasing a property is, from a financial point of view, one of life’s biggest, if not the biggest, commitment. A lot of hard work and sacrifice goes into purchasing a property to make it your home. And whilst building a comfortable home for one’s family needs is everyone’s priority, however, little, if any, thought is put into ensuring that the property purchased is of the highest quality, in terms of materials and building technology used in its construction.

The consumer, unfortunately, is hardly aware of the conditions that he should ask for.

Let’s call a spade by its name: The technologies adopted in the construction of a property is, often, traditional and in various cases leaves much to be desired. This is, often, a reflection, and not the best of reflections, on the key players in this sector: Developers, professionals and contractors. It is high time that investors consider thoroughly the trends in the sale of properties, and also other investment opportunities, while those opting to invest further in the property market are to ensure that they acquaint themselves with the new realities that Climate Change is bringing with it.

There is no doubt that the real estate sector in Malta was, is, and remains one of the most, if not the most, robust sectors of our economy. The property market continues to thrive – despite the global challenges that we are part of. Capital appreciation remains strong, and the cost of purchase is significant. However, the quality aspect remains one which is much to be desired. And in this respect, Banks have a crucial role to play.

It is Banks that finance the absolute majority of property purchases, be they residential or for commercial purposes. It is therefore, pertinent that Banks explain their obligations in relation to the financing of property both to the public in general as well as investors in this sector. Banks need to roll out a clear way forward – call it a roadmap if you wish – on the manner in which they shall observe and adhere to these obligations in evaluating the financing of the property purchases in relation to energy efficiency.

The Energy Performance Certificate that certifies the energy efficiency of each building will gain more importance. Energy efficient properties are in the public interest – and the changes that we would like to see are no excuse, for anybody, or anyone, be they developers, be they banks and other financial institutions, to complicate peoples’ lives and or adopt heavily bureaucratic procedures.

Access to financing for the purchase of a property is a key element to ensure that more people become owners of their homes. I must emphasize, that we cannot simply look at this matter as it was the financing of just another business transaction like any other – for it is not. Developers, on their part, need to up their game to ensure that the financing of property is not hindered as a result of the lack of energy efficient qualities in buildings placed on the market.

It is high time that consumers buying a property know the energy efficiency levels of the property.

Our aim should be to have green and sustainable buildings. This requires radical changes in the way we build but also radical changes in the way we think, act, and behave. We need to create awareness on the part of property purchasers with regard to energy efficiency. This is part of the change required.

In planning new buildings, both private and public, we must seek to speak a new language: the language of renewables, energy efficiency, better insulation of the buildings, reducing heating, cooling, ventilating, applying climate-sensitive design techniques, energy-efficient light sources, and advanced lighting technologies – these must be given primary importance. Energy efficiency not only saves money, and provides a cleaner, healthier environment but it also creates jobs.

Recently, we inaugurated Project House. The head office of the Works Department, known as Projects House in Floriana, underwent a €4 million investment that makes it more energy sustainable. This is in line with Government’s commitment for the de-carbonization of our economy. Government’s commitment is to make Malta an economy that is almost free of emissions. It is a strategy which is central to the development of the economic model of the future – the near future.

The European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Plan provided funds for more energy efficiency in public buildings and commercial buildings. Our target is to reach the 2050 Sustainable Development Goals as declared by the United Nations and we shall lose no time, and effort, in reaching these targets.

Budget 2023 has now extended benefits in relation to the installation of PV panels for residential houses and renovations of private sector buildings. An essential aspect of the evolution that is necessary for the construction and building sector is buildings that are more energy efficient on two levels, the newly built and the retrofitting of older ones. Efforts are underway to update Energy Performance Certificate issued by the Building and Construction Authority to reflect the new requirements.

This change requires a collective effort. It requires that all stakeholders: Government; Banks; Developers and Consumers are on board. This change cannot happen unless there is a collective effort. This change requires a broad discussion whereby all issues are addressed and solutions found – collectively. Banks have a primary role to play – and communicating, clearly, with stake holders and consumers is a must. Let us not look at this change as a bureaucratic process – but one that shall reap benefits for all. Let us, together, walk the talk in both domestic, commercial, and public buildings.

The cost of inaction is too high. We will only succeed once we bring everyone on board. We have to see the present challenges as new opportunities. Let us ensure that this, much needed change, is done in a just and fair manner. For we all stand to gain from energy efficient buildings. Let us all join forces to make this change happen.

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Rispett lejn l-istituzzjonijiet

Il-Gvern Laburista,  minkejja l-ħafna sfidi, wettaq riformi kbar biex jisaħħu l-istituzzjonijiet ta’ pajjiżna. Biddel il-mod kif jinħatru l-membri tal-Ġudikatura minkejja li sa ftit tas-snin biss ilu kienu jinħatru biss skont ir-rieda tal-Prim Ministru u ma kienx hemm mekkaniżmu indipendenti li jwassal għal dawn il-ħatriet. Kienu minn kienu dawk li okkupaw karigi fil-Ġudikatura u f’istituzzjonijiet oħra, dejjem ingħataw rispett kemm fi żmien li okkupaw il-kariga u anke wara.

Ma nistgħux ngħidu l-istess għal numru ta’ esponenti tal-Oppożizzjoni Nazzjonalista bil-mod kif tkellmu fid-dibattitu riċenti dwar bidla fil-liġi tal-Kummissarju tal-Istandards. Mhux biss rajna nuqqas ta’ rispett, imma saħanstira saru kummenti dispreġġjattivi, totalment inaċċattabbli fil-konfront ta’ persuna li b’tant żelu u impenn wettaq ix-xogħol kemm ta’ mħallef kif wkoll ta’ President tal-Qorti.

Fl-ewwel ġimgħatejn ta’ seduti parlamentari ta’ din is-sena, li matulhom iddiskutejna l-emenda għall-Att dwar il-Kummissarju tal-Istandards fil-Ħajja Pubblika segwejna l-attakk feroċi tal-Oppożizzjoni fuq l-għażla tal-Gvern tal-Prim Ministru Robert Abela biex jinħatar il-Prim Imħallef Emeritus Joseph Azzopardi f’din il-kariga. Il-kritika tal-Oppożizzjoni dwar din il-ħatra saħansitra wasslet għal kummenti dispreġġjativi  personali kontrih.

Dan kien nuqqas kbir ta’ rispett lejn bniedem ta’ integrità liema bħalha, rispettat minn kulħadd li l-unika ħtija tiegħu f’għajnejn tal-Oppożizzjoni hija li darba, għexieren ta’ snin ilu kien kandidat mal-Partit Laburista. Iridu jnessuna li kienu huma stess li tawh ċertifikat tal-integrità meta ħatruh bħala Imħallef. U jridu jnessuna wkoll li fl-ewwel konsultazzjonijiet li kien hemm bejn il-Prim Ministru u l-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni dwar il-ħatra tal-Kummissarju tal-Istandards, kien hemm il-qbil min-naħa tal-Oppożizzjoni dwar il-ħatra tal-Prim Imħallaf Emeritus f’din il-kariga.

In-nies qed jistaqsu kif il-pożizzjoni tal-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni dwar l-għażla tal-Prim Imhallef Emeritus Joseph Azzopardi inbidlet minn waħda favur għal waħda kontra. Mistoqsija li twassal għal numru ta’ mistoqijiet oħra. In-nies qed tistaqsi min verament huwa l-kap tal-Partit Nazzjonalista jekk mal-Prim Ministru Robert Abela qal iva imbagħad meta mar lura d-Dar Ċentrali beda jgħid le. Bħalma qallhom l-ex Dekan tal-Fakultà tal-Liġi, il-Professur Kevin Aquilina biex ikunu kredibbli iridu għall-inqas iġibu raġuni waħda għaliex Dr Azzopardi mhuwiex idonju biex jokkupa din il-kariga.

Bin-nuqqas ta’ rispett lejn min imexxi jew saħansitra min kien imexxi l-istituzzjonijiet ta’ pajjiżna, nkunu qegħdin nibgħatu messaġġi ħżiena lill-poplu tagħna.

Ir-reżistenza tal-Oppożizzjoni għall-ħatra tal-Prim Imħallef Emeritus f’din il-kariga wasslithom biex jagħmlu kutrumbajsa oħra milli imdorrijin jagħmlu u jopponu l-emenda li tintroduċi l-anti-deadlock mechanism biex meta ma jkunx hemm qbil dwar din il-ħatra, issir b’maġġoranza sempliċi minflok b’żewġ terzi tad-deputati fil-Parlament. Saħansitra irmew proposta li kienu għamlu huma stess fil-Manifest Elettorali tagħhom tal-2017 biex jiddaħħal dan il-mekkaniżmu.

Mhix ix-xewqa tal-Gvern li jitħaddem dan il-mekkaniżmu imma ladarba b’kapriċċ, l-Oppożizzjoni trid tibqa’ toġġezzjona ħatra leġittima bħal din tal-Prim Imħallef Emeritus, allura aħna fid-dover li naraw li l-ħatra issir biex l-istituzzjoni tkun tista’ tiffunzjona.

Wara kollox m’aħniex nivvintaw ir-rota. Dan il-mekkaniżmu jeżisti kważi f’kull demokrazija u hemm bosta pajjiżi fost l-aktar demokraziji żviluppati fid-dinja fejn l-anqas biss jeżisti għaliex ħatriet importanti fl-istituzzjonijiet isiru minn maġġoranzi sempliċi fil-Parlamenti tagħhom.

Lil hinn mill-kwistjoni dwar dan il-mekkaniżmu importanti li qed indaħħlu f’din il-liġi, tibqa’ l-kwistjoni ewlenija kemm verament nirrispettaw l-istituzzjonijiet ta’ pajjiżna. Sħaqt fil-Parlament li bin-nuqqas ta’ rispett lejn min imexxi jew saħansitra min kien imexxi l-istituzzjonijiet ta’ pajjiżna nkunu qegħdin nibgħatu messaġġi ħżiena lill-poplu tagħna.

Jekk in-nies jibdew jaraw fost dawk li suppost jirrappreżentawhom, persuni li jitkellmu b’disrispett lejn min okkupa karigi għolja fl-istituzzjonijiet, allura x’messaġġ ta’  fiduċja qed nibgħatu lin-nies? Għalhekk nibqa’ ntenni li jekk veru rridu nirrispettaw l-istituzzjonijiet u nkomplu naħdmu biex insaħħuhom, l-ewwel irridu nirrispettaw lil dawk kollha li, kultant anke b’sagrifiċċji persjonali, resqu ‘l quddiem u daħlu biex jokkupaw karigi importanti fl-istituzzjonijiet tal-istat. Ir-rispett jista’ jintwera anke jekk ikun hemm kritika jew diskussjoni dwar il-hidma ta’ dik l-istituzzjoni u min ikun mexxiha. Dak huwa parti mid-dibattitu politiku f’demokrazija. Id-dikjarazzjonijiet li smajna minn esponenti tal-Oppożizzjoni żgur li marru lil hinn minn dan. Dan ir-rispett għandu jibqa’ jintwera anke wara li dawn il-persuni jkunu temmew il-ħatra tagħhom u bħalma jiġri spiss, jingħataw opportunità jkomplu jservu lill-Istat Malti f’xi kariga jew oħra.

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Ħidma favur titjib fil-kwalità fil-qasam tal-ippjanar u l-kostruzzjoni

Bħala gvern irridu naċċertaw li min joffri is-servizzi f’dan il-qasam jkollu l-kompetenzi u l-permessi meħtieġa biex iwettaq ix-xogħol.

Is-settur tal-ippjanar u l-kostruzzjoni f’pajjiżna evolva matul is-snin. Huwa fatt magħruf li s-settur tal-kostruzzjoni huwa settur li jħalli diversi impatti fuq pajjiżna. Għaldaqstant, irridu nindukrawh filwaqt li narawh jaħdem f’qafas regolatorju aktar b’saħħtu li jirrispetta lil dawk kollha li b’xi mod jew ieħor ikunu qed jintlaqtu mill-iżvilupp li jkun għaddej. Minkejja l-progress li sar, attwalment qed jinħass il-bżonn li dan is-settur ewlieni f’pajjiżna filwaqt li jsir wieħed aktar sostenibbli, jiġedded biex ikun jista’ joffri kwalità ogħla. Biex dan it-tiġdid ikun jista’ jseħħ hemm bżonn mhux biss direzzjoni mill-gvern iżda wkoll parteċipazzjoni sħiħa minn dawk kollha involuti. Hemm bżonn titjib fil-mod kif jitfassal u jitwettaq l-iżvilupp. B’dan il-mod inkunu nistgħu nagħtu aktar serħan il-moħħ lil min ikun se jixtri propjetà u innaqqsu kull inkonvenjent u l-ħsara lil dawk il-familji li jgħixu biswit sit ta’ kostruzzjoni.

Qed ikompli jsir ix-xogħol meħtieġ biex tkun aġġornata s-sistema dwar skill cards għal dawk li jaħdmu fis-settur filwaqt li qed jitħejja l-qafas legali għal sistema ta’ reġistrazzjoni u liċenzjar tal-kuntratturi biex inkunu nistgħu intejbu l-kwalità tax-xogħol fil-kostruzzjoni. Bħala gvern irridu naċċertaw li min joffri is-servizzi f’dan il-qasam jkollu l-kompetenzi u l-permessi meħtieġa biex iwettaq ix-xogħol.

L-iskill card filwaqt li se toffri serħan il-moħħ lil konsumatur li qed jingħata servizz minn persuna kwalifikata, fl-istess waqt se twassal għall-titjib fl-istandards tal-industrija u l-prattiċi tas-saħħa u sigurtà. Mill-banda l-oħra, permezz tal-liċenzjar u l-klassifikazzjoni tal-kuntratturi se jkun żgurat li l-kuntratturi jkunu mħarrġa b’mod adegwat u li jkollhom il-ħiliet suffiċjenti biex joffru servizz aħjar u jiġu prevenuti l-inċidenti fuq il-lant tax-xogħol.

Biex inkomplu nsaħħu dan it-tiġdid, bħalissa għaddejin ukoll b’taħdidiet ma’ numru ta’ korpi kostitwiti fis-settur tal-ippjanar u l-kostruzzjoni fosthom mal-Kamra tal-Periti biex jiġu introdotti National Building Codes. Dawn il-building codes għall-ewwel se jkunu marbuta primarjament mal-istandards tat-twaqqigħ, tal-iskavar u tal-bini u aktar tard isiru building codes oħra dwar oqsma differenti tal-industrija tal-kostruzzjoni. Il-building codes se jipprovdu pjattaform regolatorja u teknika għall-industrija biex tkun assigurata kwalità ogħla kif isir il-bini. Dan huwa pass importanti għax apparti l-proċess tal-ippjanar biex jinħareġ il-permess ta’ kif għandha tinbena binja, issa ser nidħlu wkoll fid-dettal tekniku ta’ xi kwalità ta’ xogħol irid isir fil-bini tal-proġett.

Jeħtieġ tissaħħaħ il-kultura ta’ għarfien favur aktar saħħa u sigurtà fuq il-post tax-xogħol ħalli nipprevjenu l-inċidenti fuq il-post tax-xogħol. L-Awtorità tas-Saħħa u s-Sigurtà fuq il-Post tax-Xogħol għandha rwol ċentrali f’dan kollu mhux biss f’dak li huwa tixrid ta’ informazzjoni biex tiddeduka lil min iħaddem u lill-ħaddiema dwar is-saħħa u s-sigurtà fuq il-post tax-xogħol, iżda wkoll mill-att ta’ infurzar li huwa aspett kruċjali. Matul is-sena 2022, saru ‘l fuq minn 7,000 spezzjoni f’siti ta’ kostruzzjoni u nħarġu aktar minn 300 stop notice fejn kien hemm nuqqasijiet f’siti ta’ kostruzzjoni. Din is-sena kommessi li nkomplu fejn ħallejna is-sena li għaddiet biex nevitaw l-inċidenti fuq il-post tax-xogħol.

Is-sena 2023 trid tkun is-sena li matulha nwettqu bidliet importanti. Kull min huwa involut fis-settur tal-ippjanar u l-kostruzzjoni jeħtieġ jifhem aħjar x’inhuma r-responsabbiltajiet tiegħu u dawn jerfagħhom. Il-partijiet kollha jeħtieġ ikunu on board, mhux biss l-iżvillupaturi iżda wkoll il-periti, il-benneja kif ukoll il-project supervisors. Barra minn hekk, kull min huwa involut fil-kostruzzjoni irid jirrealizza wkoll li xogħolu ma jispiċċax ġaladarba jitlesta l-proġett iżda dak li jkun irid jibqa’ kontabbli tax-xogħol li jkun wettaq.

 

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Ħniena Ġusta

Soċjetà b’saħħitħa ma titkejjilx biss mill-ġid materjali. Anke jekk il-ġid materjali huwa essenzjali għal soċjetà b’saħħitħa. Iżda hemm kejl ieħor li jiddistingwi poplu minn ieħor: is-Solidarjetà li l-poplu juri ma’ dawk fil-bżonn.

Lejn il-bidu tal-Papat tiegħu, Papa Franġisku tkellem dwar ‘’il-globalizzazzjoni tal-indifferenża’’.  Dan għamlu f’kuntest ta’ nuqqas ta’ ħarsien globali f’soċjetajiet avvanżati ma dawk l-aktar fil-bżonn. Bħala poplu, bħal kull poplu, għandna n-nuqqasijiet tagħna – iżda żgur li ma aħniex indiffferenti ma dawk l-aktar fil-bżonn. Kull darba li l-poplu Malti jkun mitlub jgħin lil min fil-bżonn, iqum għall-okazzjoni u jagħti xħieda b’saħħitħa ta’ solidarjetà.

Il-kelma ‘ħniena’ għalina l-Maltin mhix sempliċement kelma li nużaw – hija parti mit-tessut soċjali tagħna, hija dik li tagħmilna Maltin u li tiddistingwina minn ħaddieħor, karatteristika li dejjem iddistingwiet lill-poplu tagħna – mhux biss issa, iżda minn dejjem.

Il-valuri tal-ġustizzja soċjali, u l-appoġġ lill-batut, huma mnaqqxa fil-qlub tal-Maltin.

Is-soċjetà Maltija hija moderna, avvanzata u kosmopolitana. Iżda hija wkoll soċjetà ħanina, li taf tħobb u tgħin. Il-valuri tal-ġustizzja soċjali, u l-appoġġ lill-batut, huma mnaqqxa fil-qlub tal-Maltin.

Jekk immorru lura fl-istorja ta’ pajjiżna naraw eżempji konkreti ta’ poplu ħanin u li jaf iħobb u jgħin. Jgħin mhux biss lil ħutna Maltin stess, iżda saħansitra popli oħra l-bogħod ferm minn xtutna. Mal-erbat irjieħ tad-dinja insibu proġetti ta’ fejda b’riżq popli oħra fil-bżonn. Dan apparti illi f’diversi okkażjonijiet gruppi ta’ Maltin marru barra minn xtutna jgħinu lil min hu fil-bżonn.

Mal-milja tas-snin, Malta tagħna għamlet progress ekonomiku kbir. Illum pajjiżna, minkejja li huwa żgħir fid-daqs, għandhu tkabbir ekonomiku li jiżboq dak ta’ pajjiżi ferm akbar minna fl-Ewropa. Raġuni ewlenija ta’ dan il-progress hija r-reżiljenża tal-Maltin, u s-sens qawwi imprenditorjali li għandna fostna. Bla dubju illi l-politika għaqlija li dejjem ħaddem il-Partit Laburista mill-Gvern inċentivat lill-Maltin biex jaħdmu u jirnexxu. Għax aħna partit b’ruħ soċjali, li qalbna tħabbat għal dawk l-aktar fil-bżonn. Għax il-politika tagħna mibnija fuq l-kredu soċjalista laburista li għandhu fiċ-ċentru tiegħu lill-bniedem.

Il-politika tagħna mibnija fuq l-kredu soċjalista laburista li għandhu fiċ-ċentru tiegħu lill-bniedem.

Ikkunsidraw biss fatt wieħed: kważi tlett snin ilu d-dinja iħakmet minn pandemija globali. Madwar id-dinja ntilfu miljuni ta’ impjiegi u fallew għexieren ta’ eluf ta’ negożji. F’Malta konna fost il-ftit eċċezzjonijiet li dan ma seħħx. Ma seħħx għax il-poplu tagħna wera reżiljenża qawwija, u għax Gvern Laburista wieżen in-negozji u lill-ħaddiema. L-istess qed jagħmel bħalissa meta fl-Ewropa għaddejja gwerra. Mhux talli ma għotorniex, iżda l-ekonomija tagħna kompliet tikber u toħloq ix-xogħol.

Iżda l-ħajja mhix biss ekonomija u flus. Is-saħħa hija l-aktar ħaga għażiża li għandhu l-bniedem u n-nuqqas tagħħa joħloq sfidi enormi lil min saħħtu ma ttihx aktar. Fil-ħidma tiegħi bħala Ministru irrid nixpruna ħidma akbar lejn it-tkattir ta’ kultura favur aktar saħħa u sigurta fuq il-postijiet tax-xogħol. Irrid li flimkien ma’ stakeholders inwasslu biex is-settur tal-kostruzzjoni ikun regolat aħjar kemm għall-benefiċċju ta’ min jaħdem fis-setturu kemm ta’ min jgħix viċin l-iżvilupp u ta’ min qed jonfoq ammonti sostanzjali biex jakkwista propjeta.

Il-mard iġib sfidi kbar, mhux l-inqas dawk finanzjarji. Hawnhekk ukoll il-poplu dejjem wera solidarjetà qawwija ma ħutna fil-bżonn minħabba mard. Anzi, f’dan is-sens, il-poplu tagħna huwa solidali immens.

L-għada tal-Milied, l-Istrina. Għal ġurnata sħiħa ttellet attività fuq l-istazzjonijiet kollha tat-televiżjoni f’pajjiżna, li matulha l-poplu kien mistieden jagħti l-appoġġ finanzjarju biex ngħinu lil Malta Community Chest Fund tgħin lil min ikollu bżonn l-kura minn mard qalil. Sena wara l-oħra, l-Maltin jikkontribwixxu bi ħġarhom, u kull sena tinġabar somma flus kbira. Din is-sena ma kinitx eċċezzjoni u l-poplu għal darboħra reġa’ kien ġeneruż ħafna. Ix-xogħol li jagħmlu tal-Community Chest Fund huwa tassew imprezzabbli.

L-għajnuna lil ħutna l-aktar fil-bżonn hija ħniena ġusta li bħala poplu nemmnu bis-sħiħ fiha u li, fil-ġimgħat u x-xħur li ġejjin, se nkomplu nindukraw.

 

 

 

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Soċjetà li tħobb u tagħder

Dalwaqt l-Istrina. Il-Maltin u l-Għawdxin jikkontribwixxu bi ħġarhom. Jinġabru flejjes kbar, għal kawża ġusta. Meta titħabbar somma sabiħa, kif dejjem ikun il-każ, kulħadd kelma waħda: Aħna poplu li joffri solidarjetà ma’ ħutna l-aktar fil-bżonn.

Hemm bżonn, madankollu, li minn żmien għal żmien, nirriflettu dwar jekk aħniex solidali s-sena kollha – u b’solidali ma nifhmux biss fil-ġbir ta’ flus għal kawżi ġusti. Solidali fir-rispett, u l-mogħdrija li noffru u nesprimu ma xulxin.

Dinja mgħaġġla

Il-pressjonijiet tal-ħajja ipoġġu fuq il-bniedem stress u ansjetà. Id-dinja nbidlet. L-aspettattivi tal-bniedem żdiedu – u dan huwa riżultat tal-progress qawwi li seħħ fil-livell tal-għajxien tagħna.

Dak li sa ftit snin ilu kien meqjus bħala lussu, jew kapriċċ, illum sar meħtieġ. Ftit ħin ta’ mistrieħ b’xi safra mal-familja, l-użu ta’ mezzi tat-teknoloġija li mingħajrhom qajla nistgħu naħdmu, jew nikkomunikaw ma’ xulxin. U elf ħtieġa oħra. Ħwejjeġ essenżjali, li iżda biex insostnuhom irridu naħdmu għalihom.

Sew jekk int impjegat, jew taħdem għal rasek, l-isfidi huma dejjem kbar. Il-ħin mal-familja, u l-għeżież tagħna, irridu niżguraw li nsibuh. Sibniha tassew stramba s-sitwazzjoni meta, minħabba l-pandemija, kellna nbiddlu r-rutina li kienet ħakmitna.

Ir-rispett, jew in-nuqqas tiegħu

Ngħiduha kif inhi, l-paċenzja tagħna ma’ xulxin hemm bosta drabi li naqset ukoll. Forsi riżultat tal-pressjonijiet tal-ħajja, iżda neħħi r-rispett u l-mogħdrija lejn xulxin u jkollna sitwazzjonijiet xejn feliċi. Kull wieħed, u waħda minnha, għandna l-limitazzjonijiet tagħna – inkluż fejn tidħol il-paċenżja u l-mogħdrija. Saret soċjetà ta’ nies li taqbżilna malajr. Ta’ sikwit, inkunu pronti niġġudikaw. ‘Qis mitt darba, u aqta’ darba’ jgħid il-Malti – iżda, ta’ spiss, iż-żarda naqtawha malajr wisq. U social media mimlija b’ġudizzji u kummenti xejn sbieħ fuq l-oħrajn.

Sfidi soċjali

Kultant tkun traġedja li ddaħħalna f’qoxortna. Iġġegħlna nistaqsu ħafna mistqosijiet dwar xi stajna għamilna aħjar biex ċerti sitwazzjonijiet ma jseħħux.

Ħares ftit lejn il-medja soċjali. Kemm inkunu pronti biex niġġudikaw, biex nattakkaw, personalment, lil min ma jaqbilx magħna. Kemm inkunu pronti biex nagħtu aġġettivi, li jweġġgħu, lil ħaddiehor.

Forsi, mingħajr ma nintebħu, nkunu qegħdin inkissru individwi u familji. Forsi, mingħajr ma rridu, nkunu qegħdin nagħtu lok għal kultura li tkattar il-mibgħeda.

Dan iwassal għal antagoniżmu, nuqqas ta’ rispett u fil-proċess it-tkasbir tad-dinjità tal-bniedem. Dan iseħħ fil-familja, fejn id-dar, minflok il-post tat-trankwilità u sigurtà, issir post ta’ tensjoni u biża’.

Dan iseħħ ukoll fis-soċjetà, fejn membri tagħha jingħataw il-ġenb u jintrifsu minn għajrhom stess. Imbagħad, isseħħ traġedja, u nintebħu li, bħala soċjetà, nkunu fallejna bil-kbir.

 L-Edukazzjoni

It-tisħiħ tat-tessut soċjali, li jdakkar is-solidarjetà u l-wens, ma jseħħx f’iżolament. L-edukazzjoni hi l-ingredjent ċentrali biex dan iseħħ. L-edukazzjoni mhux biss fil-klassi iżda kullimkien. Fuq il-post tax-xogħol, fil-familja u fl-għaqdiet li nipparteċipaw fihom. L-edukazzjoni trawwem l-ispirtu tat-tolleranza imma mhux biss. Għandha tħeġġiġna nifhmu li aħna lkoll differenti minn xulxin iżda, minflok naraw din id-differenżi bħala ostaklu, nqisuha bħala opportunità – biex nitgħallmu minn xulxin u biex infittxu l-għaqda fid-diversità.

Irridu nifhmu u nirrispettaw aktar lil xulxin. Id-diversità tagħna hi dik li tagħmilna soċjetà. Soċjetà iżda li tkun aktar ħanina u li lesta toffri spalla lil xulxin dejjem.

Il-Politika

Bhala politiku, nhossni f’paċi miegħi nnifsi li, permeżż tal-Partit Laburista, hdimna biex f’pajjiżna individwi jingħataw id-dinjita’ li tixirqilhom.

Għax hadd ma huwa ċittadin tat-tieni klassi. Konna ahna, li kontra oppożiżżjoni qalila, tajna ċ-ċans biex persuna li ż-żwieg tagħha ma jirnexxix, tibda kapitlu gdid; biex persuni tal-istess sess ikollhom id-dritt li jiffurmaw familja u biex aktar persuni jingħata lilhom r-rigal, tant sabiħ, tal-ulied, permeżż ta’ riformi kbar fil-ligi tal-IVF.

Konna u għadna fuq in-naha t-tajba tal-istorja fejn jidħlu riformi li jseddqu d-dinjità tal-bniedem. Iżda fadlilna aktar x’nagħmlu. Permezz tal-politika tal-mogħdrija se nkomplu nahdmu kemm nifilhu biex inkattru l-wens u l-gustiżżja soċjali f’pajjiżna. Bħala politiċi se nkomplu nfittxu dak li jgħaqqadna u nibnu fuqu.

Irridu nkomplu nkunu kuraġġużi biex nagħmlu aktar bidliet biex nibnu fuq it-tajjeb tas-soċjetà tagħna u niżguraw li ħadd ma jħossu imwarrab.

Soċjetà li tħobb u tagħder

Il-ħidma ta’ kull wieħed u waħda minnha trid tkun li jkollna soċjetà li taf tħobb u tagħder aktar. Soċjetà fejn l-individwu mhux numru iżda persuna bid-dinjità tiegħu u tagħha. Mhix faċli, iżda b’ħafna rieda tajba minn kulħadd, naslu. Il-festi li se jibdew f’dal jiem għandhom ifakkruna li r-rispett u s-solidarjetà m’humiex xi ħaġa staġjonali imma tas-sena kollha.

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Higher financing opportunities for energy-efficient buildings

The topic of energy in the past few weeks and months has been very topical, particularly from the political and economic facets. We have all noticed the debates across the EU and how the impact of energy prices affects our economies. We are at an exciting juncture. Yet we need further messages of stability and decisive action to disregard. We have a full agenda that we need to address, and the energy efficiency issue in buildings is significant to the government. We must also take action to see that the impact of surging energy prices is kept to a bare minimum, if not negligible.

 

We must also take action to see that the impact of surging energy prices is kept to a bare minimum, if not negligible. 

 

However, there is a bigger picture: our commitment to decarbonising our economy. And we have to look at this from various angles, not only about the amount of fossil fuel we use. It is about the way forward to ensure continuity and economic activity, to instil growth in our economies, and to ensure that we provide what families and people need. But at the end of the day, we must always bear in mind that we have a clear focus, that we have a clear goal, and that the goal is undisputed. 

 

Interestingly, in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, with increased teleworking, we have seen a jump in greenhouse emissions because of the greater use of our homes. Only 40% of energy is consumed inside the buildings, and buildings are responsible for no less than 36% of greenhouse gas emissions – undoubtedly a sizable amount. The buildings that we use could be more energy efficient. 

Did you know that 75% of the building stock in Europe is not energy efficient? 

The general sentiment around the building and construction industry yearns for improved quality not just in design and aesthetics but also building techniques and materials.

There have been many changes in how we live and work, and more changes are necessary to address the climatic changes we face. We also must look at the new directives that are being introduced, as well as directives that are already in force and how we intend to act upon them to achieve the established objectives, and we should ask an obvious question. Where do we stand? 

The general sentiment around the building and construction industry yearns for improved quality not just in design and aesthetics but also building techniques and materials. Earlier this morning, I had an opportunity to address a press conference tied to budget measures.

As well as our ministry’s plan to update to see that this sector evolves, an essential aspect of the evolution that is necessary for the construction and building sector is buildings that are more energy efficient on two levels, the newly built and the retrofitting of older ones.

One of the roles the Building & Construction Authority (BCA) plays is this education, and we have started several initiatives in this regard.

We need to understand that there is a need for a paradigm shift in how we plan and develop our living spaces. We need to make people more aware of the importance of energy efficiency in buildings, a matter that needs to be addressed in both existing (or old) buildings, not only in newly built ones.  One of the aspects that I like to communicate when I discuss the sector is that for too long in our country, we have always looked at the construction and the real estate sector from the supply side. We need to ask what the consumer’s position is – a missing factor that has given rise to several missed opportunities in the field. 

 

It is high time that consumers buying a property know the energy efficiency levels and property. The supply side will understand that it is time for a change when the consumers ask these pertinent questions more vigorously and continuously. So, it is high time that consumers know that there are rights related to energy efficiency in this regard. 

It is high time that consumers buying a property know the energy efficiency levels and property. (…) So, it is high time that consumers know that there are rights related to energy efficiency in this regard. 

One of the roles the Building & Construction Authority (BCA) plays is this education, and we have started several initiatives in this regard. In this respect, we have also increased the tempo of our media campaigns and are working with the Ministry for Energy to support our message through legislation.  Once the Legislative framework is in place, we have the challenge of compliance. I will be delving into this further, even considering other changes that we are noticing and being stated over time. 

 

The establishment of the BCA – which focuses on the holistic quality of our buildings – was an essential change in the Maltese construction ecosystem. When we discuss this sector, most of the time we talk about the Planning Authority, we speak about planning permits, but we need to start having a broader view and discuss the quality of these buildings. 

Consumers need to be more aware that we could achieve higher and better-quality levels. In that case, we must ensure that all players in the various construction sector have the essential technical and professional skills to practise in their respective fields. The time for amateurism is over. So, it is not merely a question of just legislation; it is not just a question of government. We will only succeed once we bring everyone on board with the ultimate good aims.

Retrofitting to maximise environmental sustainability is a distinct type of industrial activity within the construction sector, one which will give rise to new business opportunities in this specialised sector. 

I don’t believe in a revolution that happens overnight but in a gradual evolution. We have to evolve into having a better building stock. One of the initiatives my ministry has taken in the past few months, which I saw when I was still Parliamentary Secretary responsible for European Funds, is the retrofitting of Project House.

This building was commissioned by the Public Works Department in the late 80s or 90s. Still, by today’s standards, it has a poor energy efficiency standing and is crying for a retrofit. It will cost €4 million to upgrade this building; however, the Public Works Department and the Ministry see the retrofitting of this block as an opportunity to showcase best practices in the field, an example of the kind of eco-friendly projects we need in Malta.

Soon, energy-efficient buildings will benefit from higher financing opportunities. If they are going to make such a change, banks need to explain how they intend to make it. It would be a significant loss if banks were to take such decisions without considering the holistic approach and impact while our building stocks are at such a high level.

Retrofitting to maximise environmental sustainability is a distinct type of industrial activity within the construction sector, one which will give rise to new business opportunities in this specialised sector.

It is crucial not just for the government but for the whole economy and the whole sector and a way forward to ensure sustainability both from an environmental point of view and an economic and financial side of things.

Abou a week ago, I participated in a conference organised by KPMG wherein a bank official mentioned that banks are considering that when financing loans, they intend to take into consideration the qualities of a building and its energy efficiency when evaluating alone and the cost of a loan. Soon, energy-efficient buildings will benefit from higher financing opportunities. If they are going to make such a change, banks need to explain how they intend to make it. It would be a significant loss if banks were to take such decisions without considering the holistic approach and impact while our building stocks are at such a high level. 

Banks expect higher quality buildings and limited carbon footprint levels to finance projects, so we must understand that the time has come to change our methods and update our practices. 

The financing world expects higher quality buildings and limited carbon footprint levels to finance projects, so we must understand that the time has come to change our methods and update our practices.

As stakeholders, our noble objectives can only be achieved if we work together and take positive action today.

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The Time for Action is Now

The MEDPOWER2022 conference organised by The Foundation for Innovation and Research – Malta, has been an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, and chart the way forward, with experts in the field of Power Generation, Transmission, Distribution and Energy Conversion – namely engineers, researchers, scholars, and technicians as well as companies and private ventures.

The focus of my speech on the opening day of the conference was on Energy Efficient Buildings – a priority for my government. There are decisions which we cannot afford to postpone – Energy efficiency in buildings is one of them.

If we truly want our country to reach its environmental goals regarding emissions, energy-efficient buildings are a must. We must address the inefficient nature of today’s buildings and the time to act is now. Energy efficiency not only saves money, and provides a cleaner, healthier environment but it also creates jobs. It is an important contribution to achieve our 2050 decorbonisation goals.

On paper, the Energy Performance Building Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive are EU directives.  They set out how Europe can achieve a zero-emission and fully decarbonised building stock by 2050. It is estimated that by 2050 the Earth’s population will have grown by 3 billion. Now is, certainly, high time to build energy efficient buildings and retrofit existing building to achieve energy efficiency.

The global energy crisis means that more energy efficient buildings are needed. The European Commission estimates that Buildings are responsible for approximately:

  • 40% of EU energy consumption
  • 36% of the energy-related greenhouse gas emissions

Together, the directives promote policies that will help

  • achieve a highly energy efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050
  • create a stable environment for investment decisions
  • enable consumers and businesses to make more informed choices to save energy and money

But in essence, these EU Directives are about a better standard of living, a greener, healthier environment. Better homes. Cleaner energy. Healthier lives.

The entire building and property sector must update and adapt itself to these realities.

Behavioural changes, by building users, developers and building professionals, are needed to achieve action on energy efficiency. Potential property owners must be made aware of the energy efficiency factor in buildings they may be acquiring. It is essential that potential buyers are made aware of energy efficiency in buildings to further instigate a greater demand for such efficiency in buildings.

There are no ifs, and buts. We must be bold. It’s in Malta’s, and its environment, and its’ people’s, interest to be bold and induce further change in the property sector.

The Energy Performance certificate that certifies the energy efficiency of each building will gain more importance. There are clear indications that the energy efficiency of each property will begin to affect whether a person obtains bank financing and the price of that financing.

Government’s commitment is to make Malta an economy that is almost free of emissions. It is a strategy which is central to the development of the economic model of the future – the near future.

Our target is to reach the 2050 Sustainable Development Goals as declared by the United Nations and we shall lose no time, and effort, in reaching these targets. Significant improvements, in the use of renewable energy, have been made. According to the National Statistics Office (NSO) during 2020, the harvesting of renewable energy from grid-connected PV systems was estimated at 233.1 GWh, an increase of 20.5 per cent over the previous year.

The domestic sector has been the primary consumer of PV installations, accounting for 93.6 per cent of the total stock of PV installations. Budget 2023 has now extended the installation of PV panels for residential houses and renovations of private sector buildings. In 2020, the stock of PV installations amounted to more than 29,000, compared to roughly 27,000 in 2019, an increase of more than 6%. In 2018, it amounted to less than 25,000 installations.

Robust economic growth is a trademark of the current administration, and the construction sector is a major contributor to this growth.  In the first quarter of this year, contracts worth nearly three quarters of a billion euro were signed.

This was the best first quarter data ever to be recorded in our nation’s history. The average value per contract was 11% more than that observed in the same period in 2019, before the pandemic started.

Latest figures from the National Statistics Office show that apartments made up more than 70 per cent of the total number of approved new dwellings. But we must upgrade our standards in the planning and construction sectors. Banks are indicating that the energy efficiency qualities of a property and the size of a property’s carbon footprint will directly affect qualification for bank finance, and the cost of such financing for instance.

I expect commercial banks to be amongst the main stakeholders on this matter – especially in rolling out an information campaign to customers explaining the new procedures that shall be adopted from their end. Let me be clear: the way forward is not based on draconian measures. We need a sensible and reasonable evolution clearly intended to ensure that the property stock available is more energy efficient.

Energy efficient properties are in the public interest – and the changes that we would like to see are no excuse, for anybody, or anyone, be they developers, be they banks and other financial institutions, to complicate peoples’ lives and or adopt heavily bureaucratic procedures. We shall allow none of that.

In planning new buildings, both private and public, we must seek to speak a new language: the language of renewables, energy efficiency, better insulation of the buildings, reducing heating, cooling, ventilating, applying climate-sensitive design techniques, energy-efficient light sources, and advanced lighting technologies – these must be given primary importance.

I encourage you all, professionals, and businesses, to take the lead. Government is committed to provide the right incentives. Let us all join forces to make this change happen. Let us, together, walk the talk in both domestic, commercial, and public buildings. The cost of inaction is too high.

This requires radical changes in the way we build but also radical changes in the way we think, act, and behave. It is a unique technological, social, and financial opportunity that should not be lost.

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Investing in Urban Sustainable Regeneration

The Ministry for Public Works and Planning always welcomes initiatives and events that serve as a platform for information, debate, and an exchange of best practices. It is precisely for this reason that I was delighted to be invited and be part of an excellent panel of speakers at the First International Built Heritage Conference in Malta, organized by the Chartered Insitute of Building in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of Construction Management.

Since early school days, children are taught that Malta as an island came to be from sedimentary rock. It was cast by the elements, it sustained natural changes, weather conditions, and persisted, only to come into being. It is the quarried limestone that has shaped our architecture since time immemorial. Politically, the island passed from one ruler to another, who all impressed their own cultural traits on the Maltese community, left traces in the language that the community speaks, and prominently left marks on the architecture around us.

We are, indeed, what we went through, as a nation and as a country aesthetically. The types and forms of buildings around us, as foreign visitors often comment, immediately give the feeling that there was a long and winding history which brought us to this present moment. And that, in fact, is a perfect summary. It is also my view that, we have the tendency that our nature feeds on its physical surroundings. In that as much as we as humans, feed on the social interaction we are exposed to, we also feed from our physical space which we orbit.

Why is all this so important? Because our surroundings should be reflecting ourselves, our lifestyles, our needs, our nature as humans, and as Maltese. It is this heritage that shall lie at the basis of the route we shall designate into the future.

The preservation of historical landmarks is not merely done in tribute to our past but serves as a resounding expression of our identity.

We owe it to our ascendants, as much as we owe it to future generations. Historical architecture reflects our own experience and nature as a nation; thus, it shall also inspire the built environment we design for the present and the future. The present general mindset is rightly set on quality – quality of life, quality landscapes, quality environment – and rightly so. People expect and yearn for quality.

It is essential, to make sure the new spaces we are creating – whether built or open – are made with these principles in mind, but at the same time, there is also so much quality around us, which we inherited from past generations, which can impart a handful of lessons. Lessons in design, space utilization, airways, and insulation together with other features which make for an energy-efficient building.

It is with this mindset that our public authorities, most prominently, the Planning Authority, but also the newly set Building Construction Authority, regulate first and implement schemes to preserve and to cultivate private buildings of historical value. We are decisively acting to update and upgrade the construction sector with a clear objective to ensure better quality all round, we must ensure further restoration initiatives as well as adapt and embrace new buildings technologies to address present and future challenges. They are the path to quality, beauty, and above all sustainability in the face the change in climate.

The government is increasingly supportive using the carrot, rather than the stick, to enable private operators’ preservation of the architectural beauty of our island, and through it project our future. First time buyers today, are not simply encouraged to buy a property, but through significant grants, they are guided to opt for properties in the Urban Conservation Area, inside village cores. They are even more supported if they choose to purchase houses, closed which would have been closed and unused for years.

Whilst the central government is there to support, it is also there to lead by example in this sector. The process of restoration was indeed spearheaded by public entities which in the last years invested to regenerate the value of old buildings distributed around the island and render them useful once again to the public.

Valletta Design Cluster Roof Garden on site of the Old Abattoir – MASP Public Open Spaces Award 2021

 

I still remember the days when the Southern parts of Valletta, were in a derelict state. Nobody imagined, the huge positive impact that the repurposing of the Old Abattoir could practically change the scenery but also the feeling of the area. The project is inspirational in the way it gave a new life to the building.  The intervention did not drastically change the nature of the structure. From a disused dodgy place, today it offers an inimitable space for local artists, for events as the Design Cluster become a location integral to the cultural scene of Malta which also boasts a beautiful garden accessible to the general public.

Lower Valletta offers a new vibrant experience today. The holistic project undertaken that was spearheaded by the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation under my chairmanship. An EU funded regeneration project that was devised to add value to the whole region – turned derelict buildings into usable communal spaces and public housing, rendering in a cleaner, more pleasant environment that is socially useful.  I can mention other projects, inside or outside the harbour area. Whilst the process varies, the end remains the same. An old building was dying a natural death and with it, its story was perishing. Each project regenerated the same building and complemented it with sensitive design interventions. Each project is based in the principle of sustainability – especially environmental but also social and cultural.

Abandoned sites were turned into airy, beautiful public spaces. For public places aren’t only empty squares, but places where people interact, express themselves, and come together. The Government shall not relinquish its role to lead by example in this area. It shall also not stop increasing the private sector’s capacity to do the same. The preservation of our architectural landmarks retains value and adds value, and we intend to keep creating such value with a view to improved quality of life, touristic product and for the sake of beauty itself. Creating such value depends on alliances with educational institutions to train experts and instill a skillset which is then reflected in a quality-built environment around us.

Award-winning rennovation – Imperial Residential Home, Sliema

It is essential that we continue to invest in capacity building. The protection of our heritage also depends on ensuring more expertly trained professionals in all aspects and related sectors to provide to provide the highest level of excellence.

One must also underline the extensive work carried out by the Planning Authority to schedule historical buildings in order the ensure the highest level of protection. As part of the planning the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage is extensively consulted. This is another means of ensuring protection to our architectural heritage. We can’t hinder progress. It all goes back to the planning process itself, which, in acknowledging and safeguarding the historical value of an old building, must find ways to permit a new sustainable use of such building. I am proud to see that funds collected from the planning process itself are being invested directly in the restoration of old buildings and breathing new life into them.

These initiatives need to be further buttressed by a vibrant and informed debate on an updated aesthetics policy for new buildings and other projects. It is essential that all stakeholders engage positively in forging a way forward to ensure that we respond positively to the concerns that are being expressed.

I strongly believe that beautiful architecture may come at a greater cost yet definitively gives a higher value to our urban environment.

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Putting our beliefs into practice

The Labour Party is a progressive political organisation founded on social democratic principles, striving for an inclusive society which provides employment for everyone, ensures social justice, and whose state is measured by the progress of its most vulnerable members.

The budget for 2023 presented in the beginning of the week, epitomises this nature of the Labour Party and its economic and social plan whilst in government.

This budget comes at a time when the proverbial clouds on the global economic landscape cannot get gloomier. When prices have soared. When the news is unfortunately dominated by war on our doorstep and instability all around. People elsewhere are aggrieved because their governments are simply out of touch.

We opted for different policies when compared to our European partners. For a series of budgets in the past two years, including the mini-budgets midway through the covid outbreak, this government has developed what may be called a trickle-up doctrine. Departing from the traditional centrist idea of enabling the wealthiest in society to generate heaps of wealth from which others may reap benefit mainly through employment, the government focused on shoring up the most vulnerable categories in Maltese society, and we did this repeatedly. This method prevents people from falling into a poverty trap which in turn creates even heftier burdens on us all.

In general, keeping a wider pool of people and households in a state where they can participate in and contribute to the economy, is what fuels the economy, keeps it going and generates wealth and growth. It is this same growth which maintains demand for goods and services, and which as a result maintains (high rates of employment which then ultimately enables more former welfare beneficiaries to emancipate from the need of State assistance. When we pledge a budget with a social purpose, we mean it.

The major social intervention in this budget is the State’s absorption of the hikes in energy prices. This is maintaining households’ purchasing power in a wider context of pressure on prices in many a sector. Given that the State’s subsidies on energy prices is also impacting businesses, this limiting exorbitant costs for such businesses which would otherwise be relayed onto customers and ultimately safeguarding jobs.

Over and above the cost of living adjustment which is close to €10, and which would have otherwise soared to more than a double in the absence of the government’s energy subsidies, 80,000 low income families will be receiving an additional input to make sure they live adequately in the current economic climate.

We have once again taken a clear decision to assist personsattempting to purchase their first home. The decisive intervention through the €10,000 grant to all first time buyers spanning for the first 10 years in their loan repayment, will alleviate a considerable burden from these young families who take such a hefty financial step.

Significant impact in cetrain people’s lives may be made not merely through financial measures but especially through improved care, most importantly medical care. The funding for an oncology clinic in primary healthcare makes treatment much more accessible to cancer patients as do chemotherapy pumps to be used at home. The budget went far beyond lipservice to mental health. In fact adults of working age who spend time out of work due to  mental health challenges at some point of their lives will start to be given credits for up to two years to cover the lost social security contributions. In the detail and speficity of such a measure one may find the core of the social fabric out of which this budget was born.

Various other initiatives have been announced aimed at weathering the economic storm. We firmly believe that our economic policies should be devised in order to facilitate growth as a means to our main aim – social justice. We have stood firm in our stance not to introduce new taxes while ensuring that our finances are sustainable.

Notwithstanding the context within which it coincides, this budget is another testament to the Labour Government’s economic and political plan which has people and their decent living conditions at its core. The model built on sustainable growth worked in good times and has seen us sail through different storms and remains the best tool in the shed to keep on delivering adequate living standards to all households.

 

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