Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1528842
13 BUDGET2025 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 NOVEMBER 2024 THE budget falls short of any refer- ence to the development of a mass transportation system like a metro or monorail but mentions govern- ment investment in an Intelligent Traffic Management System aimed at optimising traffic flows. Without providing details, the budget hints at several propos- als that can be implemented in the short term to reduce traffic congestion during peak hours through better organisation of road traffic. To this end, the Fi- nance Minister has allocated €5 million for 2025. This will be achieved through improved coordination of road- works, improvements in public transport, parking schemes, and a reduction in dependency on private cars to ensure a transition toward sustainable mobility. Further details are expected in a transport master plan, which is set to be launched shortly. It also refers to strengthening maritime connections through an increase in routes and the num- ber of ferry boats. Additionally, it mentions the development of an underground car park in the vicinity of existing ferries. No reference is made to the location of these car parks, although the Planning Authority has recently renewed a permit for the devel- opment of parking at the Sliema ferries. The government will also ex- tend the existing scheme subsi- dising the purchase of electric ve- hicles, including an €8,000 grant for buyers of electric cars. The scheme incentivising pedelecs and scooters will also be retained. Furthermore, the government will be publishing a national strategy to encourage cycling as an alternative mode of transport. Investment in 'intelligent traffic management' THE budget reaffirms the govern- ment's commitment to developing off- shore wind farms in Malta's Exclusive Economic Zone, which extends up to 370km from its coastline, and solar en- ergy projects in its territorial waters, which extend to 22km from its coast- line. The budget clearly indicates that Malta is opting for floating offshore wind farms because the bathymetric characteristics of Malta's territorial sea severely restrict areas suitable for wind turbines fixed to the seabed. After six potential areas for renew- able energy projects were identified earlier this year, two areas where such development would have the least en- vironmental impact were later pin- pointed. The government is also looking into nearshore solar projects. The budget describes the govern- ment's vision in this sector as strategic, which will be developed step by step. The first step is the implementation of the second interconnector aimed at strengthening network stability, fol- lowed by investment in mass energy storage using onshore batteries. The final step involves issuing a pre- liminary market consultation to assess interest and market readiness for this investment. Next year will also see the continu- ation of works commenced last year aimed at strengthening 82 kilometres of electricity cables in 19 localities, along with upgrades to substations, distribution centers, and lighting feed- ers, among others. Regarding water infrastructure, the budget reaffirms the implementation of a national plan worth €310 million over 10 years, through which the Wa- ter Services Corporation aims to meet demand by supplying "high-quality water." It also reaffirms the commitment to expanding the reach of New Water, which is good quality water used for agriculture derived from sewage treat- ment plants. Waste: Free compost for farmers and bulky waste The budget also refers to progress be- ing made in turning organic waste into compost, which will be offered "free of charge to farmers." WasteServ is also working on several large-scale projects designed to improve existing infra- structure. These include a new facility that will separate bulky mixed waste, which of- ten includes recyclable materials like metal and wood. Thanks to this facil- ity, Malta will reduce 47,000 tonnes of waste from its landfill. Clean energy: Offshore wind and nearshore solar PROJECT Green, the government entity responsible for new public open spaces, will be opening 19 projects next year. These include new open spaces in Luqa, Lija, San Giljan, and Kirkop, which could have been earmarked for real estate. The budget proudly states that through Project Green, Ambjent Mal- ta, and GreenServ, the government has "created more than 105,000 square me- tres of open spaces," with over 26,000 trees being planted in the same period. Moreover, Project Green has embarked on works in eleven different valleys to improve the safety of visitors and en- hance rainwater collection. Similar works were conducted in Natura 2000 sites in Comino, Ramla l-Hamra, the Majjistral Park, and il-Maghluq in Mar- saskala. The budget made no reference to the flagship projects listed in the Labour Party's 2022 manifesto that would see key main roads shifted into tunnels with gardens built above them. The plans for San Gwann's main road and St Anne Street in Floriana have already been scrapped. Project Green to unveil 19 projects in 2025