Updated 1220
Debt levels reach €9.17bn, €100m in interest repayment alone
By the end of June 2023, the Government’s Consolidated Fund reported a deficit of €258.5 million, the NSO said Friday. Central Government debt stood at €9,170.7 million, an increase of €756.8 million when compared to 2022. The interest component of the public debt servicing costs totalled €100.0 million, an increase of €14.4 million when compared to the previous year, the NSO reported. (The Malta Independent)
Mater Dei Emergency Dept faces overwhelming demand
Mater Dei Hospital’s emergency department faced overwhelming demand on Thursday, prompting management to seek assistance from nurses in other wards and even St. Luke’s Hospital due to the strain caused by the prolonged heatwave. Sources reported that the situation became difficult to manage as the number of patients exceeded the usual levels, leading to the call for additional support from nurses in various departments. Tragically, at least 11 people lost their lives due to heat-related illnesses between Saturday and Tuesday, experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion and dehydration. Among the recorded deaths on July 24 and July 25, seven individuals were aged between 52 and 97, as reported by the health authorities. (Times of Malta)
Economic sentiment in decline – EC
According to the European Commission’s confidence surveys, Malta’s economic sentiment declined in June compared to May. In a month-on-month comparison, sentiment dropped in all sectors except for the services sector. The construction sector saw the most significant decline in sentiment. Despite the decrease, the overall sentiment remained slightly above its long-term average, which has been estimated since November 2002. Meanwhile, the Central Bank’s Business Conditions Index showed that in June, annual growth in business activity slightly improved compared to the previous month, remaining above its long-term average, estimated since January 2000. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
PA withdraws permit for Villa Rosa mega-development
The Planning Authority has withdrawn the demolition permit for the Villa Rosa mega-development due to an issue with the site notice placement. The site notice, which advertised the proposed development by Garnet Investments Ltd for a tourism complex, was found to be improperly affixed in the Cresta Quay area of the site. The ambitious development plan includes three large towers, with two towers reaching 27 storeys and the third tower consisting of 34 storeys, transforming the sprawling site into a tourism hub. An EIA into the mega-development that is set to take up much of the shorefront property around St George’s Bay found it would have a major impact on the environment as well as the air quality, both during its construction as well as its operation. (Times of Malta)
Enemalta says cooler temperatures facilitating repairs
Enemalta said Thursday it is speeding up its repair works, as the number of faults on new high-voltage underground cables has decreased. The heatwave started subsiding on Wednesday, as cooler temperatures saw a lower number of new network difficulties and improved response times. As more repaired cables are energised, Enemalta continues to re-establish the network’s flexibility and resilience. The repairs are giving the Company’s Network Control Centre the required alternative connections to restore supply to customers impacted by new network difficulties in less time. (The Malta Independent)
Illegal hunting fines should be proportionate, FKNK says
The FKNK federation of hunters and trappers is urging lawmakers to introduce amendments to ensure that penalties and fines for illegal hunting and trapping are “proportionate.” While the federation’s statement calls for proportionate punishments, it clarifies that it does not consider the existing penalties to be too lenient. The FKNK referred to several articles published in local media recently, which, according to them, indicated a lack of proportionality in the fines and punishments imposed on hunters and trappers. While condemning any illegal activities that harm the natural environment and its conservation, the FKNK also points out that each case should be evaluated based on its social impact and seriousness. The federation stresses the importance of striking a balance in the penalties and fines imposed for illegal hunting and trapping. (Newsbook)
