Onshore Power Supply Expansion to Cut Emissions in Grand Harbour
Work is progressing well on a second major onshore power supply project in the Grand Harbour, which will extend shore-to-ship electricity connections to additional berths, the government said. The expanded infrastructure will cover a total of ten quays and provide more than 30 new connections, allowing different types of vessels, including cargo ships, to plug into the national electricity grid while docked. This will enable ships to switch off their fuel-powered engines, significantly reducing air pollution, noise and emissions in surrounding areas. The €44 million investment is being financed through a mix of national funds and European support, including the Just Transition Fund and the Connecting Europe Facility. The project forms part of wider efforts to strengthen Malta’s position as a leading sustainable port in the Mediterranean. (Maltatoday)
Residential Property Market Remains Busy as Demand Outpaces Supply
Malta’s residential property market remains busy, with demand continuing to outweigh supply, according to reports citing leading real estate agents. Industry sources said that activity remains strong across various segments, supported by sustained interest from both local and foreign buyers. Property prices are still rising, though opinions differ on how the market may evolve in the coming years. Some agents believe it is unlikely that prices will level off in the near future, pointing to persistent supply constraints. Others anticipate a more gradual slowdown, describing a “plateau-like” scenario in which prices continue to increase, but at a slower pace. A smaller number expect prices to stabilise over time. Overall, the consensus is that demand pressures remain a key driver shaping the market’s direction. (The Malta Independent)
Mass Transport Project Would Take Up to 20 Years, PM Says
The mass transport system currently being studied would take between 15 and 20 years to be implemented, Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Sunday, stressing the need for careful long-term planning. Speaking in an interview, Abela said the project is not a short-term solution and must be approached responsibly. He explained that earlier studies for a metro system had projected costs exceeding €6 billion, prompting the government to request further analysis. A revised proposal has since estimated costs at around €3 billion, but further studies are under way to assess financial viability, affordability for users and the level of state subsidy required. Abela said decisions must be based on sound data, warning that committing to such a major project without fully understanding its impact on public finances would be irresponsible. (TVM)
Public Deserves Answers on Galdes Property Dealings, Borg Says
The public is entitled to clear answers over what the Opposition has described as the ongoing “saga” surrounding Housing Minister Roderick Galdes’s dealings with property developers, Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg said on Sunday. Borg was reacting to a Sunday Times of Malta investigation which revealed that Galdes bartered an apartment in Xagħra for a plot of land in Għarb linked to key developers. The minister’s dealings with Excel, a company owned by the renowned developers, were already under scrutiny after he acquired a penthouse and garage in Victoria, Gozo, at what was described as a bargain earlier this year. Borg also pointed to allegations of ministerial interference at Malita Investments. He insisted Galdes should step aside while investigations by oversight bodies are ongoing. (Times of Malta)
