Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/528426
2 maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 17 JUNE 2015 News 'Government looking at new model for road maintenance financing' – PM Prime Minister Joseph Muscat sees the quality of roads as particularly worrying and that a more transparent process is needed for their maintenance MARTINA BORG PRIME Minister Joseph Mus- cat said that a new model for the financing of road maintenance was being explored, because the existing system was leaving local councils out of pocket and unable to carry out other projects. Muscat was speaking yesterday at a Cabinet meeting, the 101st cabinet meeting of the current legislature, which was held at the Birkirkara civic centre. The previous PPP project in road maintenance "has been effective", he said, "but it has left local coun- cils footing the bill for a number of years," and many localities had to use their budgets for these pay- ments rather than to tackle other more pressing issues. "Projects Malta and Transport Malta are currently having discus- sions to find a new model on how to carry out road maintenance." Muscat explained that the new model would contrast with previ- ous systems that placed pressure on Transport Malta to address dire situations, although they were not under its remit. "We look forward to finding a new, more sustainable model. Lo- cal councils cannot continue to re- sort to pestering the government to make road repairs," he said, adding that the new model would introduce more sustainability and transparency in the process. The mayor of Birkirkara, Joanne Debono Grech, said that the council was working diligently to maintain promises for the locality despite the financial difficulties, working with various organisa- tions in the locality to carry out certain projects. Debono Grech bemoaned that road maintenance was urgently required but that the council could not afford the work and the government's assistance was needed. Sliema mayor Anthony Chircop, Lija mayor Magda Magri Naudi and San Gwann mayor Etienne Bonello Dupuis also spoke about issues with roads in their locali- ties, saying that arterial roads should not be the responsibilty of local councils, given that they were used by many as a transitory road. "We suggest partnership to en- sure that the roads are not just the responsibility of the local council," Chircop said. Gzira mayor Roberto Christiano even spoke in favour of the idea of shifting a percentage of existing road taxes to local councils, for the express purpose of maintain- ing roads. Attard mayor Stefan Cordina added that very often damages caused on dangerous roads were later claimed by individuals and that local councils could not af- ford to meet these claims. Mayors also spoke about the ever growing issue of parking, with some speaking of the need of further paid or timed parking, but Muscat said that the issue needed to be addressed in a more holistic sense; looking at aspects like con- nectivity and public transport, both existing and suggested new methods. He added that he was personally not in favour of the idea of creating paid parking areas and promised that the government was looking at all possible solutions. Msida Mayor Margaret Bald- acchino Cefai also pointed at the burgeoning issue of waste man- agement, given the fact that the lo- cality hosted many students dur- ing the day due to institutions like the Junior College and University, which also meant a number of Gozitans and foreigners renting property in the area. Tal-Linja Cards and new fare structures to come into force on 1 July MARTINA BORG JULY 1 will mark the launch of the new fare and ticketing sys- tems for Malta Public Transport. "Customers will be able to use the cards they have registered for on that date," Transport Malta commercial director Daniel Grech said, adding that the cards are being distributed by post. Grech said that a rate of €2 will apply for those who decide to pay the bus fare when they board the vehicle rather than by pre-paid card. "More than 100,000 people have so far registered for the tallinja card, of whom more than 40,000 are Kartanzjan holders," Grech said, explaining that the response had exceeded expecta- tions. Grech said that customers could immediately start topping up their tal-linja card when they receive it. He added that the card works similarly to a mobile phone top up card, with customers pay- ing an amount of money and the appropriate rate being removed from their bills once the card is swiped on the bus. "There are various ways that the card can be topped up, including an online top-up on tallinja.com via debit card or voucher. Vouch- ers can also be bought from over 1,500 authorised sellers, includ- ing Agenda Bookshops, where customers can scratch off a panel at the back and type in the number beneath at the appropri- ate phone number," Grech said. He added that vouchers could also be bought at one of the five kiosks around the island; at Mater Dei, Valletta Terminus, Bugibba, Sliema Ferries and Vic- toria, Gozo, or at any one of the 35 MaltaPost offices around the island. Grech said that customers would be able to check their credit either via the website, by sending a message to a particular number or by visiting the kiosks or customer care offices. He added those registered would also receive an informa- tion pack along with their cards. Grech explained that the change to the new routes would be gradual and that those in Gozo would begin on 21 June, whereas the changes in Malta would start some time in mid-July. Jess Glynne to have vocal surgery, pulls out of Isle of MTV SINGER Jess Glynne has been forced to pull out of a number of upcoming shows and festivals, including Mal- ta's Isle of MTV, due to vocal surgery she will undergo next week. An official statement by Isle of MTV confirmed that Glynne will be unable to perform at this year's edi- tion in Floriana. "We understand that Jess is very disappointed to have to miss the show as well as her other European performances across the summer. We will continue to bring fans all the latest news regarding this year's Isle of MTV but for now, we wish Jess a speedy recovery and hope eve- ryone continues to look forward to 7 July!" On Twitter, the 25-year-old singer said: "I am so so sad to tell you that I'm having to have vocal surgery next week. I'm so sorry and it kills me but I have to cancel some forth- coming shows and festivals. I'm a little scared but I will be back sing- ing better than ever very soon! Love hugs and kisses Jess xxx." The singer's latest single Hold My Hand made it to number one in the Official Singles Chart in March and her debut album, I Cry When I Laugh, will be out in August. Jess Glynne was slated to perform at this year's edition of Isle of MTV, taking place at the Granaries in Floriana on 7 July PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAY ATTARD