An investment of €7 million was inaugurated with co-financing from European funds in new equipment for cleaning and public maintenance which includes 73 machines such as hook loaders, tipper vans, rough terrain utility vehicles, compact sweepers, pedestrian sweepers, among others. The mentioned machinery is also carbon neutral because it works through electricity.
An investment of this kind is the first of its kind in our country when it comes to public cleanliness and maintenance. This new device, which will be part of the fleet of machinery already incorporated within Clean Malta, is expected to improve the efficiency of this sector as well as the environment with less emissions.
The details about this investment were announced in a conference with the theme ‘Connecting Your Future: For a Cleaner Malta’ addressed by the Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo, the Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett, the Head of – Public Service Tony Sultana, the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Tourism Anthony Gatt and the Director General of Clean Malta Ramon Deguara.
Minister Clayton Bartolo pointed out that it would be useless to aspire to have the most beautiful hotels, shops, beaches if we have a country that is dominated by the disobedience of some when it comes to public cleanliness and maintenance.
“This major investment is a clear statement that the Government will continue to commit itself to increasing the quality of the Maltese and Gozo tourism product. The time has come for public cleanliness not only to be commented on but to be an integral part of our daily knowledge. Malta is our home and we must take care of it. Therefore, in the coming weeks and months we will intensify our work to ensure that we have a cleaner and more attractive country,” concluded Minister Clayton Bartolo.
During his speech, Parliamentary Secretary Chris Bonett stressed how this investment is an important step that will lead to a new era of urban cleanliness. He continued that this is an example of a government committed to being the one to lead a change in the culture of how as a people we keep our country clean while moving in line with the commitment of the European Union and investing in ecological modes and technologies of transport to reach Malta’s targets for decarbonisation by 2050.
“It is evident that this investment reflects our commitment to use European funds in a way that affects the daily lives of Maltese and Gowis. These funds will enable our social and environmental transformation. Through the funds amounting to more than 5 million euros coming from the European Fund for Regional Development, we are addressing the core of the needs of our people while leaving a direct impact in our communities,” repeated the Secretary Parliamentarian Bonett
The head of the Public Service Tony Sultana said that as a public administration awareness is being created through the social means of the Public Service so that the public in general appreciates the valuable work that is being done. He praised the work being done by the workers of the cleanliness and maintenance division. He also referred to health and safety, and appealed to them to always wear the protective clothing provided. He concluded by saying that the large investments being made in the area of cleanliness and maintenance will continue to be supported because a clean country is a strong country.
