Prof. Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, said, “Following the blocking of funds for NGOs and Civil society by MEUSAC and the blocking of the 400,000 euros voted by the government for 2013 so that Local Councils could participate in European projects, we now learn that there is no money to heat the national diving pool in winter, thus depriving senior citizens of the possibility of making use of it.
“If there is no money, we must first of all start making cuts at the top. AD suggests that all Ministers and MPs on official business abroad should from now on travel exclusively in economic class and frequent four star hotels and under. The money saved on flights and lodging can go towards the heating of the diving pool.”
Dr Claire Azzopardi Lane, AD spokesperson on sports and disability, said, “Not heating, and therefore closing down the 25 metre diving pool in winter will deprive both competitive and non-competitive swimmers, including senior citizens and those who practise swimming for health related reasons, including physical impairments, of the possibility of using it.”
“This will mean that they will have a restricted space in the main pool, which is normally occupied by Malta’s professional swimmers and athletes and other persons who require to swim in an Olympic size 50m pool. Government must ensure that the pool remains heated all the year round, since our pensioners and people with a disability or impairment deserve the best treatment possible,” Dr Claire Azzopardi Lane concluded.