PN takes back San Ġwann and Msida, Labour whitewash in Cospicua
The Nationalist Party has regained control of San Ġwann and Msida, while Labour has secured all five seats in Cospicua as counting continues in the 2024 local elections. San Ġwann was one of the most fiercely contested among the 21 seats counted on Thursday. Previously controlled by the PN, it narrowly shifted to Labour in 2019. The PN has gained seats, reducing the vote deficit between the two main parties from 20,055 to 11,757, with the seat difference between Labour and PN decreasing from 28 to 13. In Birkirkara, the last locality to conclude voting, both major parties secured six seats each, with an independent candidate taking the final seat, necessitating a council vote to determine the Mayor at the first meeting.
Geo-fencing will cut down abuse, white taxis claimed
The head of the white taxi association has stated that new measures preventing Y-plate cabs from accepting bookings within 250 meters of white taxi stands will “cut down on abuse.” “We agree that passengers should have the choice to pick which company they want to book a ride with. What we don’t want is for ride-hailing cabs to exploit the system by waiting in taxi areas,” Malta Taxi CEO Malcolm Ciantar tsaid. Malta Taxi, the only operator of Malta’s white taxis, is licensed by Transport Malta. “Ride-hailing companies operate on a pre-booking system where the passenger waits for the cab. Y-plate cabs should not be waiting for passengers at white taxi stands,” Ciantar explained, noting that geofencing will “cut down on abuse.” “This issue is common in areas like Valletta and the airport, where Y-plate drivers approach tourists for rides, which they shouldn’t be doing,” he added. (Times of Malta)
Enemalta invests in new distribution centre in Bugibba
Enemalta’s investment in the Buġibba Distribution Centre will enhance the centre’s capacity by 50% with the installation of a new transformer. The project, scheduled for completion by the end of this month, will improve electricity services for approximately 25,000 consumers in the region. The Distribution Centre (DC), which is linked to multiple substations, provides electricity services to consumers in Qawra, St Paul’s Bay, and Buġibba. Enemalta said that it is actively working on the development of new distribution centres in Naxxar and Siġġiewi, which are currently in advanced procurement and planning stages. (Maltatoday)
