Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1482478
7 maltatoday | TUESDAY • 25 OCTOBER 2022 BUDGET2023 GOVERNMENT is currently drafting a tender for the resto- ration of aqueducts in the vi- cinity of Rabat, Gozo, a project that is expected to cost around EUR2.5 million, Clyde Caruana announced on Monday. The finance minister noted that earlier this year, the government had published its National Cul- tural Policy – outlining 184 ob- jectives – which will direct its vi- sion and direction for the cultural sector over the next decade. Twenty restoration projects have been concluded in the course of 2022, while work is currently ongoing on 25 other projects. Among these are the ongoing restoration of the Grandmaster's Palace in Valletta – expected to be completed in 2023 – while more investment has been ear- marked for the further resto- ration of bastions, as well as churches and chapels in various localities. Significant progress has already been achieved in the ongoing Tas-Silġ project in Marsaxlokk. And further investment is planned for the restoration of Villa Gwardamangia (the late Queen Elizabeth II's former resi- dence in Malta). Culture and creativity Caruana insisted that his government has continued to strengthen and expand Malta's cultural and creative sectors, de- spite the economic challenges posed by COVID-19. More than €2 million have been invested in iniatives such as the Event Assurance Scheme; the Seat Utilisation Scheme; and the Programme Support Scheme – all of which provided invaluable support for the beleaguered sec- tor, during the pandemic. Caruana also revealed that, for the first time in its history, Mal- ta will next year participate in the London Design Biennale: a unique opportunity to showcase the country's artistic and creative potential. 2023 will also usher in the fourth phase of the Malta In- ternational Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) project: featuring the completion of the galleries, scultpure garden and administra- tive offices. Sport Budget 2023 envisages a re- form that will increase the time allotted to Physical Education in schools: including the establish- ment of a minimum number of lessons per week; as well as a pilot project to study the possibility of PS sessions being held on a daily basis. The coming year will also be characterised by a number of prestigious international sports events to be held in Malta: includ- ing the Small Nations Games, and the UEFA Under-19 Europe- an championship. Caruana also reiterated his gov- ernment's commitment to com- plete the proposed new National Motorsports Centre in Hal Far, financed by the National Devel- opment and Social Fund: com- plete with an upgraded racetrack that will attract high-level inter- national drag-racing and karting events to Malta. Up to €9 million will also be invested to transform the Marsa Sports Complex into a multi-dis- ciplinary hub to the highest in- ternational standards. An Olym- pic-size swimming pool, already planned for Bormla, is aimed for completion within the govern- ment's present term of office. Gozo, in particular, will ben- efit from the building of a new Aquatic Sports Centre, in con- junction with the ongoing resto- ration of the Gozo Museum. Works are already at an ad- vanced stage; and while the pro- ject will not be completed by the end of 2023, Caruana assured Gozitans that their 'dream will be- come a reality in the near future'. The existing tax rebate, for par- ents who send their children to athletic, artistic or cultural activ- ities, will be raised from €100 to €300 a month. IN a bid to address traffic congestion which is recognized as "one of the great- est challenges facing the country", the budget suggests that a number of servic- es are not provided before 9:00 am, thus decreasing the number of vehicles on the road at rush hour. This measure will be implemented following discussions with the stakeholders concerned. The budget also reiterates environmen- tally friendly schemes to the tune of €50 million in EU funding aimed at encour- aging a shift towards electric mobility and reducing the average age of the fleet. The Finance Minister expressed satisfaction that the number of registered electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles now exceeds 10,000 vehicles which is the equivalent of less than 3% of the entire car fleet. The Finance Minister frankly admitted that free public transport for all residents in Malta as introduced earlier this month will only be a success, if accompanied by a change in the public's behaviour and greater enforcement on the roads. More investment is promised in the electrifica- tion of the bus fleet. Grants for electric cars renewed The financial grant to encourage the purchase of new electric vehicles will be renewed and anyone buying a new vehi- cle, including motorcycles, powered by electric motors will be entitled to a grant of € 11,000 and up to €12,000 in case the vehicle scrapping scheme is used as well. Other schemes incentivising the pur- chase of mopeds, pedelecs and bicycles assisted by an electric motor will also be renewed. While the grants for plug-in hybrids were exhausted last May, anyone who or- dered a plug-in vehicle before the end of May but whose vehicle will arrive in 2023 will still receive a grant of €11,000. The financial grant of the scrapping scheme for dirty vehicles will remain the one of € 2,000. Extension of schemes in favour of lighter motorcycles For the next year electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles will remain exempt from registration tax and exempt from pay- ment of the annual road licence for a pe- riod of 5 years from the date of first reg- istration. Minibuses, coaches and trucks who in- stall solar panels will remain eligible fora €900. Fast ferry discussions with EU The budget reiterates the government's commitment to improve the fast ferry service and for this aim is in discussions with the European Commission to be in a position to issue a public service contract with fixed and affordable prices for the next two years. The budget also refers to the already announced development of a 445-metre long Rural Airfield in Gozo. Malta to participate in London Design Biennale Services to be provided after 9.00 am in bid to reduce traffic CULTURE & SPORT TRANSPORT Ongoing restoration work at the Grandmaster's Palace in Valletta is expected to be completed in 2023