These are the main news from Malta’s news portals for Wednesday.
Developers have warned that sudden increases in construction waste disposal will push property prices higher. MaltaToday reports that a quarry in Siġġiewi informed contractors that it is charging more for demolition waste.
The government launched a housing benefit for tenants in rented apartments. TVM covers a press event by the Finance Minister and the Housing Parliamentary Secretary detailing a grant structure based on family size and income.
A Maltese company in the aviation sector is investing in new operations in Sardegna, in a joint-project with Italian interests. One News covers the inauguration by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat who said that Malta is looking to support aviation industries.
The National Auditor’s Office raised concerns over the Maltese Consulate in Algiers operating from the same premises as an external service provider. The Malta Independent carries a story on an investigation into Visas issued to Algerian nationals between 2014 and 2015. The Times quotes the NAO report which found the vetting process’ less than optimal’.
The European Commission does not endorse Malta’s Individual Investor Programme, reports The Shift News. Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova was answering to a question by Maltese MEP Roberta Metsola and said that passport-selling systems in Malta, Cyprus, and Bulgaria opened the EU to risks.
A black man was blocked from using a public convenience in Paola by the attendant because he would dirty the place. LovinMalta says that two witnesses, a mother and son, called out the attendant’s xenophobic actions until the man was finally allowed through.
A Newsbook report says that carers contracted by private operators in public hospitals are being forced to carry out nursing duties. A spokesperson for the General Workers Union confirmed the practice but said that a new memorandum of agreement to be signed next week will give carers the right of refusal.
Net News reports that a European Parliament committee will examine the once-secret company in Dubai 17 Black. The Nationalist Party said that Malta’s reputation continues to suffer the consequences of activities by Minister Konrad Mizzi and Chief of Staff Keith Schembri.
