Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/585489
6 THE Gozo Business Chamber has expressed satisfaction that govern- ment has taken on board the rec- ommendation to seriously consider the option of a subsea tunnel be- tween the two islands and has ded- icated a substantial sum of money to be used for a technical and geo- logical study for this project. "The GBC is confident that such a project will eventually bring the GDP of Gozo closer to that of Malta and thus, in turn, the whole country would benefit," the Cham- ber said in a statement. The initiative of offering a fiscal incentive to those employing peo- ple on at least a three-year contract in Gozo was also welcomed, as was the proposal to set up a Gozo Mu- seum. "The GBC encourages govern- ment to continue to invest in the in- frastructure of Gozo and especially to conclude as soon as possible on the Cruise Liner Terminal proposal and move forward on the setting up of a Green Airstrip," it said. " The proposal to set up a new Gozo Museum is also a step in the right direction to enhance the at- tractiveness of Gozo in the cultural and tourism sectors." The GBC also lauded the govern- ment's proposal to set up a National Development Bank and the various Malta Enterprise schemes that will boost SMEs. "It is good to note that while gov- ernment is continuing to invest in infrastructure and projects it is also targeting to reach a 1.6% defi- cit to GDP ratio by the end of this year." Gozo tourism authority reacts The Gozo Tourism Association, in a press statement, said that it be- lieves that overall this is a balanced budget that reflects the economi- cal growth environment in vari- ous sectors including the tourism industry. The GTA however expressed concern about the introduction of an environmental tax, which would be collected from every tourist. "Whilst acknowledging the im- pact of the tourist industry on the environment, the Gozo Tourism Association will be seeking further clarifications on this measure espe- cially on the domestic market and on the already contracted rates for 2016. "Furthermore the GTA is expect- ing that the tax collected from bed- nights spent in Gozo should be ag- gregated in a special fund, proceeds of which will be specifically spent on the tourism product upgrade on Gozo. The GTA welcomed the invest- ment in studies on a tunnel to con- nect the islands, as well as impact studies on an airfield in Gozo. Fur- ther development of the yacht ma- rina and cruise liner terminal, out- lined in the budget, was met with approval. "The Gozo Tourism Association positively notes the measures in this budget aimed towards the im- provement of the touristic product. The building of public swimming pool, the restoration of the water Aquaduct, the upgrading of St. Francis Square, as well as the re- building of rubble walls in the Goz- itan countryside are all measures that enhance the island's touristic offer," it said. maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 14 OCTOBER 2015 News WIN a copy of the newly launched book Wild Flowers of the Maltese Island To win a copy of this unique book tick the right answers: Tick the names of Maltese wild plants? ❒ Maltese fleabane ❒ Sulla ❒ Giant Fennel ❒ Frog Orchid ❒ King protea Send your answers by 15 October to: MediaToday, WIN A BOOK FROM BDL Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann By Edwin Lanfranco & Guido Bonett published by BDL FAA – Positive measures, but holistic vision lacking FLIMKIEN ghal Ambjent Ahjar said that the Budget included a number of positive measures but lacked an overall holistic and courageous vision, especially in terms of water, green area and tree preservation and environ- mental health. The FAA welcomed budgetary measures to regenerate urban conservation areas through in- centives on the sale of properties, speeding procedures for those caught in inheritance disputes, as well as proposals on the resto- ration of Lower St Elmo. "Sanctions regarding aban- doned commercial premises are positive, however FAA is disap- pointed to note the absence of measures to help owners repair old properties, and especially Maltese balconies." FAA added that the 150% re- duction of the taxable value of donations to heritage is benefi- cial, but that it had expected this budget to finally exempt non- profit voluntary organisations from VAT. "Several positive grants have been announced to encourage the purchase of low emission cars and motorcycles in order to reduce air pollution, however the budget lacks several measures to reduce traffic across the board, as even the much-discussed pro- vision of subsidised school trans- port is missing." FAA further stressed that bi- cycle use could not be genuinely promoted through the adoption of random grants without the provision of necessary infrastruc- ture of cycling lane networks and traffic education drives. "The upgrade of the Floriana botanical garden and the com- mencement of the Marsaskala nature park are welcome pro- posals, however the 2016 Budget is far too limited as regards the preservation of Malta's natural environment." The group noted that a major investment in environmental enforcement, and the training of nature wardens and tree main- tenance personnel is required to ensure the preservation of Malta's green areas and to provide even the basic upkeep and beautifica- tion of Malta's public gardens. It added that no mention was made of the formerly promised fund- ing for afforestation projects. "Similarly, rehabilitation of wa- ter reservoirs is too little, too late, considering that the government has lacked the political courage to tackle the glaring issue of il- legal boreholes which is key to Malta's critical water conserva- tion situation." FAA added that the most glar- ing shortcoming of the document is the lack of any fund to buy up green enclaves at risk of develop- ment, in order to preserve them for the well-being of the public. Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar said bicycle use can only be encouraged if government invests in infrastructure Gozo Business Chamber eager for subsea tunnel 32 police officers under investigation promoted under PN administration TIM DIACONO A total of 32 police officers who were under criminal investigation were promoted under Nationalist governments between 1987 and 1996 and between 1998 and 2013. The information was tabled in parliament in response to a parlia- mentary question by Labour back- bencher Anthony Agius Decelis. In response to a separate ques- tion by the PL MP, Abela said that 14 retired police officers were re- instated to the force between 2008 and 2013. One of these was a ser- geant who was promoted to a ma- jor in under a year. Moreover, three police consta- bles were transferred to other gov- ernment departments or minis- tries between 1987 and 1996 – one to the foreign affairs ministry and two to the courts. 57 police officers were trans- ferred away from the force be- tween 1998 and 2013, 55 of whom joined the Civil Protection De- partment following a call for job applications. The other two were undergoing criminal proceedings in court and were transferred to the Depart- ment of Public Works and the Health Department respectively, following the advice of the Public Service Commission.