The government yesterday announced a €60 million allocation in EU Cohesion funds for the development of the harbours infrastructure.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications Austin Gatt yesterday inaugurated the new offices of Valletta Gateway Terminals within the Maritime Centre in Floriana, describing the concession agreement with VGT as “an important milestone” in port reform
“The future looks bright and VGT fit in well in the vision of the government for the rehabilitation of the Grand Harbour, especially where the increase of quays is planned,” Gatt said.
The new projects funded by the EU cohesion funds include necessary repairs to the breakwater infrastructure, the upgrading of Deep Water Quay, the development and extension of Fuel Wharf and Laboratory Wharf and the development of Boiler Wharf as a cruise liner berth.
Gatt said the government wants to reform the Malta Maritime Authority to move out of operational matters and instead focus on being a strong regulator. “In the case of cargo handling, as in the case of the cruise liner terminal and other operators in our harbour, the MMA should not operate but regulate,” Gatt said.
The minister said that a change is also required for the financing model of the authority so that it will be able to deliver important capital projects with the least burden on central funds.
Gatt said a lot was still needed to be done to create more wealth through the ports. “The Port Reform process is ongoing and is intended to streamline costs even further and drive for better service. The regulator itself needs to adjust to the changes and drive the policy of Government so that our ports continue to be cradles of wealth and jobs as well as our trade connection to the rest of the world.”