Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1464426
7 NEWS maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 13 APRIL 2022 7-storey-high retirement home proposed in Victoria Superintendence for Cultural Heritage objects to excavation of basement 150 meters away from ancient quarry site and wants assessment of views from and towards Cittadella JAMES DEBONO A seven storey high nursing home is being proposed instead of a disused three storey building at the outskirts of Victoria in the corner between Triq Fortunato Mizzi and Triq l-Universitas, a short distance from the Arcadia shopping mall opposite the pet- rol station. The proposed works consist in the demolition of the existing disused building, the construc- tion of a 66-room nursing home built over 7 floors, one of which receded, a semi-basement and 3 basement levels to cater for 45 parking spaces. But the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage has already ob- jected to the proposed basement due to the archaeological sensi- tivity of the area. "Rock-cutting is unacceptable as it may disturb the discoveries which extend underneath the site". Archaeological discoveries ad- jacent to this site include a Pu- nico-Roman quarry 'bearing technological similarities' to the extensive quarries found at the Gozo Middle School, circa 150 metres away. The Superintendence has also requested a visual impact study including photomontages of views of the development from Cittadella, towards Cittadella, and long-distance views from key viewpoints. The project is being proposed by land-owner Simon Grech. The PA had already approved a commercial development on the site in 2008 but this was never carried out. Policies regulating the building heights of elderly homes permit an additional two storeys over local plan limits but specify that the resultant design should be in keeping with the urban con- text and no blank walls are cre- ated. The policy was aimed at addressing demographic changes and a shortage of rooms in elder- ly homes, which is particularly acute in Gozo. So far the applicant has present- ed visuals of the proposed project as seen from the road. Din l-Art Helwa is also objecting to the visual impact of the project. KURT SANSONE THREE public officers have been appointed as new permanent secretaries in the public service following the appointment of a new Cabinet. The new appointments include the former chiefs of the customs and civil protection departments, Joseph Chetcuti and Emanuel Psaila, respectively. The third new appoint- ment is that of Carlos Tabone, who used to work at the Office of the Prime Minister. Government on Tuesday published the list of permanent secretaries attached to the respective ministries created after the elec- tion. Chetcuti was appointed permanent sec- retary in the health ministry, while Psaila was appointed in the home affairs minis- try. Tabone was made permanent secretary in the newly created planning and public works ministry. The new appointments were made after an assessment by the Public Service Com- mission, which made its recommendation to the President. Veteran permanent secretary Alfred Camilleri has been retained at the finance ministry, where he has transcended several administrations. Principal Permanent Secretary Mario Cutajar said that from the appointment of the new Cabinet until now it has been a period during which permanent secre- taries and other public officers introduced ministers and parliamentary secretaries to the portfolio they had been assigned by the Prime Minister. "They were informed of everything that will help them to lead their ministries and even decisions that need to be taken," he said. Joseph Rapa, who since 2013 has served as permanent secretary in the health ministry wished not to be reconsidered for the job. Customs and civil protection chiefs appointed permanent secretaries New permanent secretaries (from left) Joseph Chetcuti, Emanuel Psaila and Carlos Tabone Appointments of permanent secretaries Mario Cutajar – OPM, head of public service Kevin Mahoney – OPM, coordination and implementation Joyce Cassar – OPM, people and standards Joseph Chetcuti – Health Ministry Joyce Dimech – National Heritage Ministry Christopher Cutajar – Foreign Ministry Mark Musù - Social Policy Ministry Sharlo Camilleri – Agriculture Ministry Ronald Mizzi – Economy Ministry Paul Zahra – Economy Ministry, EU funds parliamentary secretary Nancy Caruana – Inclusion Ministry Johan Galea – Transpport Ministry John Borg – Gozo Ministry Emanuel Psaila – Home Affairs Ministry Anthony Gatt – Tourism Ministry Joseph F. Caruana – Environment, Energy and Enterprise Ministry Alfred Camilleri – Finance Ministry Matthew Vella – Education Ministry Carlos Tabone – Planning and Public Works Ministry Christine Schembri – Active Ageing Ministry