Budget includes positive measures but lacks holistic vision – FAA

Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar has said that the budget includes a number of positive measures but that it lacks an overall holistic and courageous vision, especially in terms of water, green area and tree preservation and environmental health.

The FAA issued a press release to welcome the budgetary measures announced last night to regenerate urban conservation areas through incentives on the sale of properties, speeding procedures for those caught in inheritance disputes, as well as proposals on the restoration of Lower St Elmo. 

“Sanctions regarding abandoned commercial premises are positive, however FAA is disappointed to note the absence of measures to help owners repair old properties, and especially Maltese balconies,” the statement reads.

FAA added that the 150% reduction of the taxable value of donations to heritage is beneficial, but that it had expected this budget to finally exempt non-profit voluntary organisations from VAT.   

“Several positive grants have been announced to encourage the purchase of low emission cars and motorcycles in order to reduce air pollution, however the budget lacks several measures to reduce traffic across the board, as even the much-discussed provision of subsidised school transport is missing,” they added.

FAA further stressed that bicycle use could not be genuinely promoted through the adoption of random grants without the provision of necessary infrastructure of cycling lane networks and traffic education drives.

“The upgrade of the Floriana botanical garden and the commencement of the Marsaskala nature park are welcome proposals, however the 2016 Budget is far too limited as regards the preservation of Malta's natural environment.”

The group noted that a major investment in environmental enforcement, and the training of nature wardens and tree maintenance personnel is required to ensure the preservation of Malta's green areas and to provide even the basic upkeep and beautification of Malta's public gardens. It added that no mention was made of the formerly promised funding for afforestation projects.

“Similarly, rehabilitation of water reservoirs is too little, too late, considering that the government has lacked the political courage to tackle the glaring issue of illegal boreholes which is key to Malta's critical water conservation situation,” the statement adds.

FAA added that the most glaring shortcoming of the document is the lack of any fund to buy up green enclaves at risk of development, in order to preserve them for the well-being of the public.