Updated 1200
Malta’s informal economy is one of EU’s largest – Eurofound
According to a Eurofound report on the ‘societal implications of labour market instability,’ the informal economy in Malta, where workers lack fixed working hours and wages, was estimated to account for approximately 21% of GDP before the pandemic. The informal economy refers to the portion of an economy that operates without official taxation or monitoring. Multiple studies have indicated that Malta’s informal economy is among the largest in the European Union, ranking just behind Bulgaria and Croatia in terms of size. Eurofound, the European Union’s agency responsible for research and data on living and working conditions, also highlighted that both researchers and recent media reports have suggested that the purchase of undeclared goods and services, as well as tax evasion, are relatively common practices among Maltese citizens.
Coalition seeks retrial on DB project
A coalition of objectors, including the Pembroke and Swieqi local councils, nine non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and ten individuals, are pursuing a retrial of their legal battle against db Group’s development of the former ITS site at St George’s Bay. They assert that Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti erroneously applied the wrong law when dismissing their appeal against the project in May of last year. The original ruling essentially cleared the path for db Group to proceed with its plans to transform the former Institute of Tourism Studies site into a complex featuring two residential towers and a hotel block. Disagreements between the parties extend to the proposed building heights: the company claims it will construct 17, 16, and 12-story structures, whereas the objectors contend that, when accounting for ground floor and mezzanine levels, the buildings will reach 19, 17, and 13 stories. In turn, DB Group said that certain people still refuse to accept the verdict and that they are, “now effectively defying the judgement and have instituted fresh court litigation based on spurious, non-existent, and vexatious grounds.” (Times of Malta / Maltatoday)
Man critical after Zejtun night crash
A 50-year-old resident of Birżebbuġa is currently in critical condition following a car accident where he collided with a wall. The incident took place at approximately 3:15 am on Triq Tal-Barrani, Żejtun.
Morning Briefing
Six Maltese tourists injured in Sicily head on incident
Six Maltese tourists on vacation in Sicily required hospital treatment following a head-on collision between the van they were traveling in and another car on Thursday. The accident involved a total of nine individuals, including three men and three women from Malta. All except one of the Maltese individuals injured in the accident are currently hospitalized. Among the injuries sustained by the passengers are a broken hip, a broken jaw, and fractures to the elbow and shoulder, as reported by a spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The accident occurred between Pozzallo and Modica. (Times of Malta)
Application for restoration of San Anton Gardens submitted
Following the successful completion of several conservation studies conducted on San Anton Gardens, Project Green has officially announced that it has submitted an application to the Planning Authority. The purpose of this application is to commence the restoration efforts for the Presidential Gardens. As part of the initial phase of the San Anton Gardens project, a comprehensive site survey was conducted, encompassing every inch of the Gardens. This extensive examination enabled the relevant authorities to establish the preservation approach for the garden’s walls and walkways. Additionally, it helped identify the architectural elements that contribute significantly to the Gardens’ character, including fountains and monuments. In conjunction with the conservation efforts for the Gardens, plans include the construction of a new conservatory in place of the existing greenhouse, along with the production of new enclosures and other scheduled improvements. (TMI)
Enemalta instals new cables to strenghten distribution network
Enemalta plc is currently installing underground 11-kilovolt cables in Siġġiewi as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the electricity distribution network in the area. According to a statement from Enemalta, these new cables will provide additional alternative connections, enabling the company’s technical teams to restore power more efficiently in case of disruptions to existing connections. Additionally, in the same locality, preparations are underway for the construction of a new distribution center. Enemalta emphasized its commitment to expediting various projects in different areas aimed at reinforcing the electricity distribution system, which is part of its long-term investment plan initiated last year. As previously announced in July, the company is intensifying the execution of this plan with a total investment of €160 million, doubling its endeavors to enhance the electricity infrastructure within the shortest possible timeframe. (TVM)
