Updated 1250
Construction Boom Drives 17.6% Surge in Malta’s Waste to 3.5 Million Tonnes: Malta generated 3.5 million tonnes of solid waste in 2024, up 17.6% from 2023, largely driven by construction and demolition. Mineral waste rose 21.8%, while non-mineral waste increased 2.2%. Waste treatment reached 3 million tonnes (+14.6%). Backfilling of mineral waste jumped 58% and landfilling increased, while recycling in this category fell 13.6% and energy recovery dropped by 1,711 tonnes. Separate household collection continued to grow, including organic, grey bag and glass waste, alongside an 887-tonne rise under the Beverage Container Refund Scheme. Significant increases were also recorded at the Għallis landfill and other waste facilities. (Times of Malta)
Planning Authority Backs Corinthia’s Luxury Resort and Villas at Ħal Ferħ: The Planning Authority’s directorate has recommended approval of Corinthia’s “Oasis” project at the former Ħal Ferħ complex in Għajn Tuffieħa. The plan replaces the derelict site with a 161-suite resort and 25 high-end villas and bungalows, permitted under a 2021 development brief despite the ODZ location. A €225,000 planning gain is proposed. While authorities acknowledge significant visual impact, they cite design revisions, extensive landscaping and reduced traffic compared to earlier permits. The residences may be sold independently, unlike the tourism suites, marking a key legal distinction within the mixed-use scheme. (Maltatoday)
More Students Sit for 10 O-Levels as Subject Choices Broaden Under New MATSEC Model: The 2025 MATSEC Statistical Report shows 16-year-olds are taking more O-level subjects, with 1,726 students sitting for 10 exams, up from 1,383 in 2024. The revised SEC model, including School-Based Assessment, has widened participation across 46 subjects. Girls remain more likely to take all three sciences, though only 13.9% do so. Sector gaps persist, particularly in Level 3 Mathematics. At advanced level, Marketing is now the most popular subject, while Psychology continues to grow. English remains the top choice overall, despite a slight decline in entries. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Maltese emergency team deployed in Libya
A Maltese emergency response team has been deployed to Libya to assist the country’s newly established National Centre of Emergencies and Disaster Management. The three senior Civil Protection officers and a Malta Police sergeant are on a three-day mission focused on two key operations. In Isbeya, around 50 kilometres from Tripoli, the team conducted a technical inspection of substantial ground cracks to assess their structural risks. In a separate task, water samples were taken from a lake in Zuwara, near the Tunisian border, to evaluate quality and availability for nearby communities. Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said the deployment demonstrates Malta’s growing capability to provide assistance beyond its shores, while the experience gained abroad strengthens the Civil Protection Department’s expertise locally. (Times of Malta)
Malta looks at space tech opportunities
Experts from the financial, legal and government sectors met this week to explore how space technologies are influencing financial services. The conference discussed the use of satellite data for improved regulatory compliance, risk management and investment opportunities supported by the European and EU Space Agencies. Dr James Catania, head of Malta’s Space Unit, said the forthcoming Space Activities Act is nearing Cabinet approval, updating laws linked to data use and space operations. Representatives from Finance Malta emphasised the potential for specialised jobs and growth within the sector. KPMG’s Steve Stivala said Malta could benefit significantly even from a small share of a global market valued at over €600 billion. The Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti said space is no longer futuristic, but an emerging economic reality. (The Malta Independent)
PN, Labour trade barbs on Standards report on wife of former PM
The Nationalist Party has accused the government of discriminating within the voluntary sector, citing a Standards Commissioner report that found rule breaches in civil service secondments to NGOs chaired by Michelle Muscat, wife of former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. The report noted that up to five public employees were assigned to the NGOs, exceeding the one-person limit, though it found no involvement by Prime Minister Robert Abela. The PN said this confirmed preferential treatment for certain organisations while others struggled for resources. In response, the Labour Party said the Opposition was distorting the Commissioner’s findings, which had rejected parts of the original complaint. It insisted the government remains committed to NGOs, noting over €17 million invested across 1,800 voluntary projects under its Malta Flimkien programme. (TVM News)
