Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530259
4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 DECEMBER 2024 NEWS KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt By a decree given on the 7th November, 2024 by the Civil Court First Hall, the Court ordered that the extract hereunder mentioned be published for the purpose of service according to Article 187 (3) of the Code of Organization and Civil Procedure (Chapter 12): By decree given by the Civil Court, First Hall on the 7th November, 2024, on the application of APS Bank plc (C 2192), Thursday, 27th February, 2025 at half past eleven (11.30 a.m.), has been fixed for the Sale by Auction to be held in Room Number 78, Nearby the Courts Archives, Level -1, Republic Street, Valletta of the following property. The house with official number twelve (12) named ʻSueno' previously ʻSaint Anne' in Triq Espedito Catania previously known as Triq l-Għobbejra, Ħaż-Żabbar, with its own airspace, including the annexed garage with official number fourteen (14) in the same street and which forms an integral part of the said house, as described in the contract of sale published by Notary Doctor Jonathan Zammit dated twenty third July of the year two thousand and twelve (23.07.2012), free and unencumbered, with all their rights and appurtenances, including the front garden (patio) and the back yard, and is bounded together on the East by property of Antonio Scicluna, on the North by property of Felice Apap Bologna or their respective successors in title, and on the South by Triq Espedito Catania or more accurate boundaries and is valued at five hundred and forty five thousand euro (€545,000). The said tenement is the property of Buhagiar David Nicholas ID 13895M and Buhagiar Maria ID 528577M. N.B. The said tenement will be sold as described in the acts of judicial sales number 44/2022. Registry of the Superior Courts, this Wednesday, 27th November 2024. MARVIC FARRUGIA For the Registrar, Civil Courts and Tribunals Outsourcing/ Temporary Licence EOS Projects Ltd declares the intention for the company to register for an Employment Agency License in accordance to L.N. 270 of 2023 EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT (CAP.452) Employment Agencies Regulations, 2023. The activities proposed to be carried out focus on the provision of workers with a view to making them available to a third party including: 1. Temporary work services involve providing workers to a third party. 2. The third party assigns tasks to the temporary workers. 3. Outsourcing services involve providing workers to a third party. 4. The outsourcing agency, including contractors and subcontractors, supervises, directs, and controls the workers. Operational place of business: Crowe (Horwath), Triq il-Knisja l-Qadima, Birkirkara, Malta Company registered number: C81329 Official Company Registered Address: San Girgor, Triq Wied iz-Ziju, Marsaskala MSK4610, Malta A follow-up audit of the Corrad- ino Correctional Facility (CCF) has raised concerns about ongo- ing staff shortages and inadequate cleanliness, urging stronger efforts to improve conditions within the prison. The report, published by the National Audit Office (NAO), evaluated progress on recom- mendations from a 2021 review, revealing mixed results in several critical areas of the facility's oper- ations. The CCF houses approximate- ly 680 inmates and operates at an annual cost of €30 million. In its report issued last month, the NAO said progress had been made in some areas, such as in- mate care plans, but continued to face challenges in maintaining sufficient staffing levels and con- sistent cleanliness across its divi- sions. Staffing shortages persist Although the number of cor- rectional officers has increased by 15% since 2021, the Correc- tional Services Agency (CSA) is still short of approximately 100 officers, falling short of its opera- tional requirements, according to the NAO report. Over-reliance on overtime persists, with associated costs showing little reduction over the years. The audit also identified short- comings in performance evalua- tion and staff training. While in- duction training for new recruits is well-structured, there is still a notable absence of a comprehen- sive training programme for expe- rienced officers. Additionally, the report noted that the absence of a formal performance assessment system limits transparency and accountability. Cleanliness issues observed The NAO report also high- lighted challenges in maintaining cleanliness within prison facilities. During site visits, auditors ob- served litter in several divisions, including cigarette butts and food waste around rubbish bins. Clean- ing equipment storage areas were found to be cluttered, with broken and unusable items left unattend- ed. "Despite increased activity, most divisions were found to be maintained in an orderly man- ner. However, when compared to the 2021 report, it was noted that some divisions showed a de- cline in cleanliness," the report stated. The report also stated that tech- nical issues in some areas, such as noisy ventilation systems, fur- ther compounded the challenges. Moreover, the report noted that while these issues do not compro- mise safety, they affect the daily experience of inmates. "It must be noted that, while the noise gen- erated by this [faulty ventilation system] proved to be a material inconvenience (particularly at times when inmates would need to rest/sleep), the ventilation it- self was not compromised in this instance." Mixed trends on substance abuse at CCF The follow-up audit revealed mixed results regarding substance abuse among inmates, with a no- table contrast between new ad- missions and those incarcerated for extended periods. The report showed that while the CSA had successfully main- tained low substance abuse rates among long-term inmates, chal- lenges persisted during the admis- sion phase. Testing data indicated that up to 60% of new admissions in recent years tested positive for substance abuse. However, follow-up testing after four weeks revealed a sig- nificant reduction, with positive results dropping to as low as 0.1% in 2024. This, the report stated, reflect- ed the CSA's efforts to enforce a zero-tolerance policy within the prison, supported by regular test- ing and monitoring. The audit praised these efforts, emphasising the importance of maintaining such stringent controls to support the facility's broader rehabilitation goals. Despite these achievements, the report encouraged the CSA to strengthen support systems for newly admitted inmates, many of whom arrive with substance abuse issues. This could include enhanc- ing detoxification programmes and bolstering psychological and social support services to help inmates transition into a sub- stance-free environment. Progress in renovations and care plans The follow-up audit revealed that renovation efforts have com- menced in several areas of the fa- cility, including upgrades to four divisions and the kitchen. A pi- lot project to modernise one cell was also completed, serving as a benchmark for future renova- tions. However, the majority of cells remain unchanged, with basic maintenance still pending. The CSA was commended for ensuring that almost all inmates have personalised care plans in place within four months of ar- rival. Urging continued progress, the NAO called on the CSA to prior- itise enhancing the working envi- ronment for staff and improving the overall cleanliness of the facil- ity. "Addressing these areas is essen- tial to enhancing operations and creating a safer, more effective correctional environment," the report stated. While the report recognised on- going efforts in areas such as ren- ovations and system upgrades, it stressed the need for a sustained commitment to improving staff- ing levels and ensuring a hygienic environment within the prison. Corradino Correctional Facility faces staffing and cleanliness issues, NAO report finds A follow-up audit of the Corradino Correctional Facility by the National Audit Office highlights ongoing staff shortages and cleanliness issues, urging stronger efforts to improve conditions.