Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/890548
8 News maltatoday SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER 2017 RESIDENTS in the western dis- trict are twice as likely to be con- cerned about traffic than residents in the southern harbour, according to a MaltaToday survey. But traffic is a top concern across all the six regions in Malta and Go- zo, outstripping the second-placed concern in each district by a sub- stantial percentage. The survey was carried out be- tween October 2 and 5 – the first results were published two weeks ago. It was conducted by telephone and 506 respondents took part. A breakdown of the survey re- sults shows that in the western dis- trict, traffic topped the list of con- cerns, getting a mention by 40% of respondents, followed by Gozo, where traffic was a concern for 37% of respondents. Although still top of the list, traf- fic received the least mentions in the southern harbour, which is probably a reflection of the prox- imity of the localities to the capital, Valletta. Parking, which is linked to traffic, appears among the top five con- cerns in all districts, even if to vary- ing degrees. While parking gets the highest mention (19%) in the northern harbour district, which comprises localities like Qormi, Birkirkara and Sliema, it drops to six per cent in the south eastern district, which includes Zejtun, Marsascala and the villages around the airport. Of note is the singular appear- ance of public transport as a top five concern in the south eastern district. A concern for 17% of re- spondents, public transport comes in at second place in this district. Corruption, an issue of much po- litical controversy in the last elec- tion, features among the top five concerns in Gozo and the north- ern regions but is outside the top five in the southern and western regions. This could indicate a split along the political inclinations of the various regions. Rental prices make it to the top five only in the northern harbour region, where it is mentioned as an issue of concern by six per cent of people. With localities like Msida, Gzira, Sliema and St Julian's ex- periencing substantial increases in rental prices, primarily as a result of a growing foreign population, it is not a surprise the northern har- bour region has the highest level of concern over rents. The figures show that the envi- ronment cropped up as a top five concern in Gozo, and the north- ern and western regions of Malta. Surprisingly, the environment does not make the first five spots in the northern harbour area where much of the public outcry on de- velopment seems to be made. As for the Opposition being a source of concern, this makes it to the top five in Gozo and the south- ern harbour regions, which again could be a reflection of political al- legiances in the areas. In Gozo, immigration is not a concern, while in all Maltese re- gions it makes it to the top five. Immigration ranges from a high of 14% in the south eastern district, where the Hal Far open centre is situated, and 13% in the southern harbour region that includes Mar- sa, to a low of seven per cent in the western region. Districts The districts are based on the classification determined by the National Statistics Office Southern Harbour: Valletta, Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua, Zabbar, Fgura, Floriana, Kalkara, Luqa, Marsa, Paola, St Lucija, Tarxien, Xghajra. Northern Harbour: Qormi, Birkirkara, Gzira, Hamrun, Msida, Pembroke, Pieta, St Julians, San Gwann, St Venera, Sliema, Swieqi, Ta' Xbiex. South Eastern: Zejtun, Birzebbuga, Gudja, Ghaxaq, Kirkop, Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, Mqabba, Qrendi, Safi, Zurrieq. Western: Mdina, Zebbug, Siggiewi, Attard, Balzan, Dingli, Iklin, Lija, Rabat, Mtarfa. Northern: Gharghur, Mellieha, Mgarr, Mosta, Naxxar, St Paul's Bay. Gozo: Gozo and Comino North to south, traffic worries rule EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ADMINISTRATOR UNDER THE ONE TABLET PER CHILD PROJECT The The Ministry for Education and Employment notifies that applications are being received from interested persons willing to provide services on a "Contract for Service" basis as an Administrator under the One Tablet Per Child Project for the period September 2017 to September 2020. Eligible Eligible applicants will be required to sit for an interview and are to bring their original certificates with them, as well as a valid police conduct certificate. Expressions of Interest are to be received at The Directorate for Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills, Ministry for Education and Employment, Great Siege Road, Floriana, until Friday 3rd November 2017. Further Further information, including details about eligibility criteria, requirements and conditions can be obtained by referring to this Expression of Interest in the Government Gazette dated 17th October 2017 . Enquiries can be made by email to jeffrey.zammit@ilearn.edu.mt or by calling on 2598 2742. A regional breakdown of concerns registered by a MaltaToday survey shows traffic and parking are overriding issues, immigration is not a problem in Gozo and the environment fails to make it to the top five in the northern harbour area, KURT SANSONE reports