Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar has said that it welcomes the Budget measures to regenerate urban conservation areas through incentives on the sale of properties, speeding procedures for those caught in inheritance disputes, as well as proposals re the restoration of Lower St Elmo.

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

“The 150% reduction of the taxable value of donations to heritage is beneficial, however it was expected that this budget would finally exempt non-profit voluntary organisations from VAT.”

FAA said that “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. Similarly, bicycle use cannot be genuinely promoted through the adoption of random grants without providing the 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.”

“Nothing short of 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. No mention is made of funding for afforestation projects which had been promised.”

“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,” said FAA.

“The most glaring shortcoming 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.”

FAA concluded by saying that “the budget includes a number of positive measures but lacks a holistic and courageous vision especially as regards the preservation of water, green areas, trees and environmental health.”

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