Stiffer fines for littering to be considered

A ministerial sub-committee on tourism is to propose to the cabinet the introduction of stiffer fines for littering, Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said.

Dr Zammit Dimech said he was regularly meeting the ministers dealing with resources and infrastructure, environment, transport and communications, as well as culture and the arts to make joint efforts for tourism, which represents a quarter of the national economy and a third of all employment.

Comments from Dr Zammit Dimech were sought following suggestions made by hoteliers and restaurateurs on how Malta could improve its image in the eyes of the tourist. Many of those in the industry commented about litter and the general shabbiness of the country

Dr Zammit Dimech said the ministerial sub-committee would be meeting in mid-September and the item was already on the agenda.

The committee had already discussed stronger enforcement but would be making concrete proposals about how fines for littering could be raised, he said.

"I also endorse the recommendation that it is high time that wardens do not only see to traffic-related offences but concentrate as well on matters that affect the environment directly. In particular their attention to prevent littering is a must," he said.

Dr Zammit Dimech said he was "in general agreement with the positive and constructive suggestions made by hoteliers and restaurateurs".

"I have been in particular insisting on the 'polluter pays' principle and stronger enforcement. Far too often we face situations in our country where the polluter prays rather than pays. He prays that someone else does the clean up job after the mess he would carelessly or in some cases even maliciously have left behind."

Asked about whether he agreed with the proposal to put a fee on non-returnable cans and bottles, as that was likely to result in having people picking them up if others threw them away, Dr Zammit Dimech said he agreed in principle, adding that he envisaged such an issue would be addressed with the new waste management procedures.

Dr Zammit Dimech said he had asked the Malta Tourism Authority to draw up a report on all tourism issues that would be presented to the cabinet.

"I am also in agreement that more immediate action is called for to see to various specific requests that are made and than can be seen to, since they do not entail much expenditure," he said.

Asked about the upkeep of promenades, Dr Zammit Dimech said that once the government did a project of that nature, it was handed over to the local council concerned to see to its upkeep. "Having said that, I have asked the Malta Tourism Authority itself to proceed with regular cleaning and maintenance of the Sliema and St Julian's promenade and this is being done.

"I also welcome the suggestion on the need for a culture change within the service industry. I had already taken on board a suggestion by Walter Cassar to take up various initiatives whereby persons interested will not look upon a waiter's job as degrading.

"We had already gone through a similar cultural change with regard to the chef's job over the past years. What I have now done is to bring together the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) together with ETC and MTA to work precisely on this issue.

"A working committee is meeting weekly and coming up with initiatives that include organising an induction course for new recruits who have had the opportunity to work in this sector, provision of qualified trainers, and tapping new funds for the purpose. A pilot scheme to this effect will commence in February, 2004," Dr Zammit Dimech said.

Asked to comment about what opposition leader Alfred Sant wrote about the minister's track record, Dr Zammit Dimech said: "I think it would be more opportune for Dr Sant to consider his own track record within the Labour Party just as the party is examining what has led to its defeat in the last two general elections and at the EU referendum.

"On my part, I am honoured by the fact - to give one example - that I had the privilege to inaugurate a couple of weeks ago the Cottonera marina with an immediate impact on the area as the thousands of people who have been since then flocking to the area can attest".