'30 restoration projects in Valletta alone’ – Pullicino

30 restoration projects in Valletta alone have been carried out over the past legislature, George Pullicino, minister for resources and rural affairs said during a press conference today.

Pullicino said that over 91% of tourists visiting Malta's shores go to the capital city at some point during their stay, which is why so much emphasis has been put on embellishment works in Valletta.

"Qawra, Bugibba and St Paul's bay have also been targeted, as over 61% of tourists pay a visit to these three destinations. Seven million is being invested on rehabilitating the Salini area, which is on the doorstep of these three localities," Pullicino said.

Pullicino mentioned the huge effort to overhaul the main arterial roads from Zurrieq upwards.

"We have focused on arterial roads over the past five years because these are the most frequently used by commuters. In the coming legislature our focus will shift more towards secondary and residential roads," Pullicino said.

On Magthab, Pullicino announced that the first part of the rehabilitation project will soon be inaugurated.

"Maghtab was in imminent danger of collapse. Thanks to our efforts, 700,000 tonnes of waste was removed and the area stabilised. The amount of potentially carcinogenic dioxins is down by 99% from when the dump was actively in use," Pullicino said.

Pullicino also mentioned the family park soon to be open in Marsaskala.

"The prime minister will soon be opening the biggest family park in the south of Malta. This is another ex-dump that has come to life thanks to a seven million investment of EU funds."

Pullucino said that many of these projects would not have been possible had the right choice not been made in the 2003 EU referendum.

"The PN has a track record that people can see. We will continue to manage our funds wisely. Further to this, the PN will bring in income tax reductions. The night tariffs will also bring about a reduction in energy tariffs between 7-26%," Pullicino said.

On a lighter note, Pullucino mistakenly announced that 2,000 people had benefitted from initiatives to allow them to buy a more polluting car, much to the amusement of the assembled press.