Environment and Inclusivity
Proposal by Independent Social Movement ResidentiBeltin – 12/09/2021 © (Digital & Published Rights)
01) The Council under the ResidentiBeltin Party would be committed to providing cleaner air through its work, in the fight against climate change, thereby providing a better quality of life for residents and visitors.
02) We will eliminate the possibility of creating 'no go zones' and 'ghetto areas'.
03) More trees that provide high levels of oxygen and shade will be proposed, along with community gardens and more public spaces where these are possible. More work in favour of inclusivity and the environment will also be proposed, without eliminating what we already have.
04) As part of residents' peace of mind, the Council will be responsible for taking action against the dangerous hornet known as the Oriental Hornet. The necessary action is precisely research to remove every nest - we stop the problem at its source.
05) Many promises and fine words regarding the reduction of pollution in the Grand Harbour affecting Valletta and Floriana, as well as other surrounding areas, but in truth nothing is being done for the Cruise Liners to change their systems as had been promised. The time has come for us to protect our health, just as the Authorities, Governments, Opposition, and Councils have shown us they do not care by remaining passive, taking no concrete action for our health and that of our loved ones - The time has come for every Authority to keep its word and take responsibility.
Waste, cleanliness and recycling
01) We will ensure that thought is given so that rubbish skips are not placed under anyone's windows and do not obstruct people's access. We will also ensure these skips are cleaned and maintained in good condition, with proper monitoring.
02) Lanes for animal waste and recyclable skips are very essential around the locality so residents have the convenience to recycle without restrictions or time limitations, and do not end up being fined. The issue of glass will also be addressed to reduce broken glass on the streets.
03) The central trash bins that were removed should be returned to their original locations. We request that new trash bins be installed near historic and residential zones. As a primary solution to eliminate the inconveniences caused by previous bad decisions, we will work to double the rubbish routes during certain days. A collective meeting with the majority of residents will be provided.
04) Furthermore, we agree with the existing law that for every tourist accommodation - but we add that these should be legally bound to their own private collector - frequent monitoring by the authorities should take place to verify that this private service truly exists and is actually being used. This also includes establishments and restaurants of every size, including large ones. Their collection and removal times should be at different times from those of the other collection system, so we avoid large amounts on the streets and pavements of the locality.
05) Small shops that do not produce a considerable amount of waste should be exempt from hiring a private service, but always under the terms of waste separation and recycling.
Examples of other proposals, collected from various residents:
Residential waste
Waste put-out time: 5am-7am
One hour for early traffic from outside to be avoided: 7am-8am
Collection time: 8am-9am
Commercial waste
Waste put-out: 9.00am-9.30am and 6.00pm-6.30pm
Collection time: 10am-11am and 7pm-8pm
* Sufficient time to avoid the afternoon rush hour, especially for residents and students to return home.
After the introduction of the private collector system, we believe commercial waste should only be put out a few minutes before collection by the private collector; with communication and agreement between the two entities working towards ensuring streets and passages are not dominated by excessive waste for extended periods.
One day during the week - or one day during the weekend - for residents, a double route will be provided for the black bag. This proposal allows a remedy for every resident who may have a large family, or missed the morning schedule because of work, or ever had some kind of emergency.
*Every proposal will be solidified and improved once the Council, under our leadership, convenes public meetings with residents.