Smokers around Malta will be handed ashtrays by their local councils in an attempt to convince them not to dump their cigarette butts on the streets. This novel plan was announced this morning by Silvio Parnis, the parliamentary secretary for local governance, in a speech advocating a “mentality shift” in the operations of local councils.

“London is currently conducting studies on cigarette butts that are tossed onto the street, and we must admit that this is a challenge which exists in Malta too,” Parnis said. “Local councils will soon launch a campaign to give personal ashtrays to smokers, so that they will be able to keep our streets and village squares clean. While this may not sound like a big deal, it’s significant in that it represents a change in mentality.”

Parliamentary secretary Silvio Parnis announcing the ashtray plans today

Parnis also confirmed plans to install irrigation systems and intelligent recycling bins across all localities, as well as updates to road cleaning tenders that will encourage bidders to make use of technological equipment to clean the streets.

Moreover, all local councils will have to employ up to three contract managers to conduct oversight on tenders and clamp down on the squandering of public funds.

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Tim Diacono

Tim is interested in the rapid evolution of human society and is passionate about justice, human rights and cutting-edge political debates. You can follow him on Instagram or Twitter/X at @timdiacono or reach out to him at [email protected]