St George’s Bay tops list of Malta’s most polluted beaches
St George’s Bay has been ranked as Malta’s most polluted beach this summer, according to an analysis of official bathing water data by biology professor Victor Axiaq. The study examined e. coli contamination recorded by the Environment Protection Directorate during the first 10 weeks of the bathing season, from 12 May to 20 July. Balluta Bay placed second after a series of temporary pollution incidents in recent months, including a sewage outflow caused by construction waste in June. Tal-Għażżenin, Sirens and Tax-Xama’ Bay in St Paul’s Bay completed the five worst-performing locations. Despite the findings, Axiaq stressed that Malta’s bathing waters remain largely clean, with only 3% to 4% of swimming areas falling below an excellent rating. San Blas was named the cleanest beach, ahead of Little Armier and Marsalforn. He also argued that heavy visitor numbers alone do not explain poor water quality, pointing to the Blue Lagoon, which maintained excellent standards despite attracting large crowds. (Times of Malta_
Court rules prosecutors may use previous statements to refresh witness memory
The trial by jury of businessman Yorgen Fenech continued on Thursday, with the court clarifying how prosecutors may question witnesses using earlier police statements. Madam Justice Edwina Grima ruled that statements forming part of the case file may be referred to only after a witness has first given evidence. Prosecutors may then use earlier statements to test the witness’s testimony or refresh their memory if they cannot recall specific events. The ruling came during the testimony of Dr Adrian Vella, who was questioned about conversations allegedly held in Gozo following the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Prosecutors referred to previous statements mentioning discussions about private aircraft, Sicily and the transfer of company shares, although Vella repeatedly said he could not remember many of the details. (Maltatoday)
Sliema and St Julian’s remain Malta’s most expensive apartment markets
Apartment prices in Sliema remained the highest in Malta last year, standing around 61% above the national average, according to new National Statistics Office figures. Using a price level index that sets the national average apartment price per square metre at 100, the NSO recorded Sliema at 160.98, followed closely by St Julian’s at 157.43. The figures relate to apartments only and exclude penthouses. Pembroke, Swieqi, Għargħur, Ta’ Xbiex, Naxxar and San Ġwann also ranked among the country’s most expensive locations for flats. At the opposite end of the market, Xewkija recorded the lowest index at 57.14, followed by Sannat at 62.74, making them the cheapest localities for apartment buyers. The data also highlighted a clear regional divide, with Malta recording an overall apartment price index of 103.55 compared with 68.01 for Gozo and Comino. The figures underline the continuing strength of demand in the central and north-eastern property market, where prices remain significantly above the national average. (Times of Malta)
