Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/585015
11 Budget 2016 maltatoday, TUESDAY, 13 OCTOBER 2015 PROJECTS & PROPOSALS Gozo: tunnel more viable than bridge TRAVELLING to Gozo could soon become easier if government's plans to have a permanent link come to fruition. The finance min- ister announced that the feasibil- it y study commissioned by Trans- port Malta and the Gozo Business Chamber concluded that a tunnel connecting the two islands is more feasible than a bridge. Hinting that there is strong in- terest by the private sector, the fi- nance minister said that the next step would include the undertak- ing of technical and geological studies. These will determine were the entrance and exit points will be situated. More talks on airstrip With the study on the feasibilit y of an air strip in Gozo now com- pleted and giving a favourable verdict, the finance minister said that given the controversial nature of the project – and the inevitable loss of virgin land – government will be holding more talks with all stakeholders before deciding. Moreover, government is in ne- gotiations with the consortium which has submitted proposals for a cruise liner terminal and a yacht marina. More incentives for job creation Employers awarding Gozitans a contract of at least three years will be refunded 20% of the wages to a maximum of €5,000. Gozitan stu- dents currently studying in Malta will be awarded a €300 allowance. Request for proposals for St Elmo commercial project GOVERNMENT will be publishing a request for proposals for the re- generation of the lower part of Fort St Elmo in Valletta. Following the successful restoration of the histor- ical fort, the private sector is being encouraged to put in proposals for a "high quality" commercial project in the lower part of St Elmo. Market relocation still unresolved Following the public uproar at the proposed relocation of the Vallet- ta open-air market between Pjaz- za Teatru Rjal and the new Parlia- ment Building, government is yet to settle on a location and despite the proposal to have the market moved to Ordinance Street gov- ernment is still looking at other alternatives. The 2016 Budget also allocates funds for the restoration of balconies in Ordinance Street. Marsa racetrack to get facelift The Marsa racetrack will be getting a substantial upgrade which will see the track hosting international horse races. Further investments will up- grade the Tal-Qroqq national swim- ming pool and the Kirkop sports complex. Government will also launch a White Paper in which sport associa- tions will be encouraged to propose investments in facilities. Environment SUPERMARKETS in Malta could no longer be able to destroy or dispose of unsold edible food. The 2016 Budget floats the idea of a Food Waste Bill and government is exploring the idea of proposing a law similar to the one introduced in France this year. French supermarkets over 400 square metres in size have to enter into formal agreements with food redistribution charities by July 2016. Any food past its sell by date should also be sent for composting, anaero- bic digestion or for use as animal feed – rather than disposal. Super- markets failing to comply will be li- able for penalties including fines of up to €75,000 or two years imprison- ment. Private involvement in waste management Government will be issuing a call for proposals for the collection of plastic bottles and aluminium cans with the aim of identifying a waste collection system by July 2016. These systems could include collection points at supermarkets. The waste management agency, WasteServ will be looking at farm- ing out the collection of batteries to the private sector. The agency will also kick-off the process of reform- ing the Civic Amenity sites to ana- lyse the best method to involve the private sector in the management of these sites. National Park in Marsascala Marsascala is to have another na- tional park while the Argotti garden and surrounding gardens in Floriana will be transformed into a recreation- al centre which will serve as a "green lung" in the Grand Harbour area. Government will also be launching a Green Economy strategy plan. Supermarkets could be banned from destroying food