Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Rodercik Galdes announced that the government has started a tendering process for the restructuring work in the Fruit and Vegetable Market in Ta' Qali. He said the intention is to create a structure similar to what was set up at the new fish market in Marsa earlier this year. The tendering process for the works has already started so that the work can start as soon as possible.
The Parliamentary Secretary was speaking during the government public consultation meeting "Gvern li Jisma'" held at Castille. The works which will be carried out in Ta' Qali are expected to cost some €1.5 million.
During this evening's session, Minister for the Environment, Jose' Herrera, who also participated in the event, insisted that developers can also be environmentalists, and that the two do not need to be distinguished from each other. The Minister said he is committed to keep making a difference and to improve the natural environment in Malta. Dr Herrera said that natural environment does not only interest the environmentalists, but it also effects future generations to come.
According to the Minister, the next big environmental issue in Malta will be that on dealing with waste accumulation.
On the pilot project of the organic bag, Minister Herrera said that already, some 1,000 tonnes of organic waste was collected. This is why, he said, that the government intends to expand the initiative.
Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Roderick Galdes said that agriculture constitutes 40% of the total budget of the European Union. He said Europe is facing a crisis in agriculture, including in the production of milk. The Parliamentary Secretary said that the importation of pork has affected local farmers and the government had to intervene to avoid a natural death.
On animal welfare, Dr Galdes said that the government is ready to lend an ear to all environmental NGOs.
The Parliamentary Secretary said that the local authorities are discussing proposals to safeguard swordfish population in Maltese waters. He confirmed that during the Maltese EU presidency, the government will dedicate a session which will include meetings with Ministers from Africa to discuss measures related to fishing.
He said that the government does not agree with the EU quotas. "These quotas will kill the Maltese fishing tradition, as our percentage compared to countries like Italy, is very small," he added.
On the Azure Window, Minister Herrera said that in the coming weeks, he will announce a number of measures which will preserve the area. He explained that the government will be launching a management plan headed by a University Professor. But details on this measure are expected to be announced in a separate press conference. He only revealed that a UNESCO representative will be participating in the master plan.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/29d9ohN
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