December 2024 Issue 35
Message from the CEO
It has now been a year since i was appointed ceo of the foundation, and i can sincerely say that it has been both an enjoyable as well as a demanding experience with different challenges requiring innovative and timely solutions to ensure the smooth functioning of both the foundation and the district. The foundation needs to be ambitious to achieve bigger things for the district and as a consequence for all those within the district.
On an administrative level, we have managed to reach a satisfactory agreement with the Malta Business Registry that reflects the hybrid and unique nature of the Foundation which as we know is jointly owned and represented by the Government and the Private Sector. We have continued with the second phase of the CCTV project installing another 3 clusters of CCTV cameras and have completed the infrastructure for medium Electric Vehicle Chargers. In collaboration with the Police, we have managed to remove a number of ‘abandoned vehicles’ from the street, but more needs to be done. Demand for the Park and Ride Service is growing gradually, albeit not at the pace that we would like, and more promotion of the service may be in order. Road maintenance and upkeep remains the ‘bread and butter’ of the Foundation. The issue of temporary permits by the Foundation to provide a ‘one stop shop’ to the business sector has been a huge success with over 4500 permits issued since 2022. The Mriehel Central Link Underpass project and related embellishment has now been completed and we look forward to the embellishment of another junction by Infrastructure Malta leading to Triq in-Negozju. It is noted also that waste collection and Police patrols which take up a considerable part of the Foundation’s financial resources continue to take place on a daily basis. This is only a taste of the work of the Foundation.
Looking forward, we plan to focus on the embellishment of pockets of land and to increase the element of greenery within the District. May I also take this opportunity to launch an appeal and if you own vacant land that you do not intend to develop in the near future or know of any abandoned pockets of land within the District to come forward so that the Foundation can propose an embellishment project under mutually beneficial terns which makes the best use of the space until the landlord decides otherwise. At the moment we are working on a number of initiatives that we will share with you over the next year.
But enough with work! Above all, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support which is very much appreciated and wish a prosperous, healthy and happy Christmas and New Year to you and all your loved ones. A word of thanks goes to the Foundation’s staff and all those that support the work of the Foundation.
Carmelo Abela
AGM for year ending 2023
The AGM for 2023 was held at the Board Room at Avenue 77 on Tuesday, the 17th of December 2024. Founders present represented the Private sector, while the Permanent Secretary Ms Nancy Caruana represented the Government. Dr Stephanie Sciberras, as the Foundation’s legal advisor, ensured that the meeting took place according to the Statute while Mr William Wait was proposed and appointed chairperson of the meeting.
According to the meeting’s agenda, after the minutes of the previous annual general meeting were approved, a short clip was prepared by the CBDF outlining the most recent accomplishments and projects of the CBDF. Mr Carmelo Abela, the Foundation’s CEO, further clarified on the achievements of the Foundation and provided a preview of new projects that are in the pipeline. Mr Charles Xuereb, who represents Simonds Farsons Cisk on the Board of Administrators, provided a walkthrough of the Financial Statements and the auditors from RSM answered questions arising from the founders present. The Financial Statements were then duly approved by all those present and no other business was discussed. After the meeting was declared closed, the Founders and CBDF staff took the opportunity to network and exchange Christmas Greetings.