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Grand promises, murky waters: The €700 million road to nowhere

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6 months ago

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In December 2017, then-Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg announced with great fanfare that €700 million would be invested in a seven-year project to upgrade all of Malta’s residential roads.

Infrastructure Malta pledged “the rebuilding of each street” including “the replacement or reinforcement of existing foundations, upgrading of existing pavements or building new ones and the laying of new asphalt surfaces”.

Infrastructure Malta also claimed it would be “collaborating with the entities that have underground water, electricity or telecommunications distribution networks… so they can be replaced and reinforced as part of this project”.

Those seven years are almost up.  Those €700 million have gone.  But look at our streets and weep.

I walk to work and back every day through those streets that by now should have been “upgraded”.  In several of them, there are deep open trenches filled with rubble, dust and rubbish.  Those trenches have been left open for weeks. The promised coordination between contractors was some sick joke.

The only protection from falling into those trenches is some bright orange netting.  Owners of garages on those streets have had large metal plates placed over those deep trenches to allow them to use their garages.

The pavement has been destroyed on one side of one street, and the one on the other side is in such a state that you need a change of shoes and clothing after you walk through.

But it’s not just the back streets.  Many main roads show no hint of any upgrade, either.  After a short rain shower, dirty water filled potholes and collected on the side of one of those main roads, with nowhere for the water to drain.  Vehicles driving down the road soaked pedestrians with stagnant brown water while they tried to navigate the uneven pavement.

Right at the start of summer, Xlendi Bay in Gozo turned brown after a few hours of rainfall.  All the dust, mud, gravel and rubbish left in the streets on higher ground was carried down into the bay.

Xlendi Bay was declared off-limits for swimmers on 20 June – the eve of the new summer season. The Water Services Corporation (WSC) issued a statement reassuring the public that the brown water was just “stormwater runoff” and not a sewage leak, despite the stench that accompanied it.

They claimed the rainwater had “overwhelmed stormwater culverts in the area and eventually emptied into the sea”.  Those culverts were full of building debris, stones and other rubbish.  WSC didn’t tell us when those culverts were last cleared.

The corporation simply added that this was “typical” of low-lying coastal areas during heavy rainfall.  It certainly is typical if the roads and streets are filled with construction debris, and the roads are kept dug up for weeks. It’s certainly typical if the roads that should by now have been upgraded have no culverts at all, and if the few that do have culverts, they’re completely choked with so much rubbish.

How many of the roads that have been upgraded in recent years have any culverts for water drainage?

With impeccable timing, on the very day that Xlendi Bay turned brown and was closed to swimmers until further notice, Gozo’s star minister, Clint Camilleri, was launching his “Summer in Gozo” programme aimed at “boosting tourism”. He bragged that Gozo’s tourism sector continues to register strong growth.

“I am convinced by the strategy we are adopting,” he said, “which is bearing fruit because we are focusing more on quality tourism and therefore giving our visitors added value”.

Exceptional added value – one of the handful of tourist spots on Gozo turned into a morass of muddy detritus with streets that cannot be crossed except by boat.  If it’s an adventure holiday you’re after, Xlendi is the place to go.

But Gozo wasn’t alone in offering “added value” to the public and tourists.  Just two days earlier, on 18 June, swimming at Sliema’s Chalet and Qui-si-sana area was banned.  This time, the suspiciously stinky brown liquid pouring into the sea was indeed sewage.

That was confirmed by the Environmental Health Directorate, although that was hardly necessary – floating excrement could be seen happily gliding down to the shore.  The directorate issued a statement: “The foul water could affect bathing water quality and pose a health risk to swimmers.”  You don’t say.

They posted warning signs in the affected area, which extended from the Sliema water polo pitch to the opposite end of the bay in Qui-si-Sana.  They reassured the public that they “will continue to monitor the situation and follow up on the case.” But “the ban will remain in place until water quality is confirmed to be safe”.

Well, we can’t complain.  You could always walk along the coast and swim in Font Għadir, where the water was sparkling clean. Sadly not.  On 20 June, just two days later, the Environmental Health Directorate issued another statement advising against swimming in the Font Għadir area. This time, they blamed “contaminated water that was discharged from a stormwater culvert, which reached the sea”.

The Environmental Health Officers, we were told, were investigating the source of contamination, ominously adding “the duration of the contamination cannot be predicted at this stage.”  Again, temporary warning signs were put up in the affected area, highlighting some real “added value”.

For parents in the area, they could always take their children to play at the George Bonello de Puis gardens near the Chalet area. Oh, no. That’s been closed with metal barriers for many months now.

On 2 May 2024, MIDI bragged that it had invested €160,000 to refurbish the gardens and install four large play structures, an accessible merry-go-round, an enclosed fenced area for young children and safety flooring for all four play areas.  Now it lies abandoned and sealed off.

The same applies to the Tigne’ Point Belvedere walkway, which was fenced off in October 2024.  Does that count as “added value” too?



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Colorado volleyball poised to repeat success

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8 minutes ago

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December 25, 2025

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The Colorado volleyball team set out to prove something in 2025.

The Buffaloes did just that, getting picked to finish 10th in the Big 12 preseason coaches poll before finishing third and reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

As successful as the 2025 campaign was — CU’s 23 wins tied the fourth-most in program history — getting swept at Indiana in the NCAA Tournament left a bitter taste. And the Buffaloes are ready to return and prove themselves all over again.

Head coach Jesse Mahoney confirmed his program is not expecting to lose any of the array of juniors that helped power CU’s 23-9 campaign. The Buffs lose to graduation two starting seniors in setter Rian Finley and libero Sarah Morton, but CU is set to return essentially its entire offense as well as the starting middle blockers.

“As of my exit interviews, we don’t have anybody leaving the program,” Mahoney said. “Barring anything unexpected, but as of now we’re expecting the entire group back.

“It’s really exciting to have all your point-scorers return. There’s some questions in some ball-handling issues in terms of setting and libero, but we think we have those answers in-house right now. Unless you’re the last team standing, you never end where you want to be, so there’s still some things to play for. And I think our players, having tasted a little success, I think they’ll set their sights a little higher next year as well, and we’ll work towards that this spring.”

Highlighting the list of scheduled returnees is Ana Burilovic, a third-team AVCA All-American selection and CU’s first All-American honoree since 2018. Burilovic also earned first-team AVCA All-West Region honors and was a first-team All-Big 12 selection after leading the conference in points per set (5.47) and kills per set (4.71), ranking in the top 10 nationally in both categories.



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Badgers news: Wisconsin adds top setter in 2026 freshman class

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23 minutes ago

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December 25, 2025

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The Wisconsin Badgers have been busy in the transfer portal, both with incoming and outgoing players. Among the group was freshman setter Addy Horner, who had been a key player for the Badgers this season when star Charlie Fuerbringer was out with an injury.

Horner elected to enter the transfer portal one day after Wisconsin’s loss to the Kentucky Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament, which made sense given that Fuerbringer still has two more years of college eligibility.

Well, Wisconsin added a setter to replace Horner’s spot, but that will be coming in the 2026 class, rather than via the transfer portal.

In a big move, the Badgers landed a commitment from the No. 3 setter in the 2026 class, Isabelle Hoppe, on Tuesday. Hoppe had been committed to Pitt, but requested a release from her National Letter of Intent after the Panthers landed Penn State transfer setter Izzy Starck in the portal.

Hoppe was ranked as the No. 21 overall player in PrepDig’s 2026 recruiting rankings, as well as the No. 3 setter. She’s the lone setter in Wisconsin’s 2026 class and now fills a big void left by Horner, while giving an extra year gap between her and Fuerbringer in eligibility.

Hoppe is the fifth incoming freshman in a loaded class for the Badgers, joining outside hitters Halle Thompson and Audrey Flanagan, and middle blockers Lynney Tarnow and Kymora Scott.



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A 2026 wishlist for Arizona Wildcats athletic programs

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40 minutes ago

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December 25, 2025

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It is almost a new year which means there are new opportunities out there for the programs in the Arizona athletic department.

Here is a wishlist for some of the major programs in Arizona Athletics going into 2026:

Football: Be a Big 12 title contender

The success from this season has helped to lay down a foundation for what could be a future of sustained success. With a fumble recovery against BYU and one more defensive stop against Houston, Arizona could’ve been a Big 12 title contender this season.

The goal for next season should be a top contender to play in the Big 12 championship.

With the more than likely return of Noah Fifita, and being in year two of the Seth Doege offense, it should be an even better year for the offense.

Jay’Vion Cole and Taye Brown will be the leaders for Danny Gonzales defense, which will also be returning a good portion of the defense.

The downside of next season will be the loss of key seniors like Treydan Stukes, Dalton Johnson, Ismail Mahdi, and culture setters like Chubba Maae.

Another tough factor going into next season will be who the Wildcats play next season. They will travel to BYU, Texas Tech, Kansas State, and West Virginia.

While West Virginia is still in rebuild mode, they do have former Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez, who was fired by the University.

Home games do give Arizona a chance to win important games. Utah, TCU, and ASU all come to Tucson, which can help the Wildcats’ resume.

Brent Brennan’s culture and program will be put to the test next season, but if Arizona passes that test, it could lead them to Arlington and the Big 12 championship.

Men’s basketball: Make a Final Four run

Tommy Lloyd’s team has gotten off to a 12-0 start to the season and has earned the number one ranking in the country. It has cemented itself as a clear candidate to be a final four team in March.

Led by senior point guard Jaden Bradley, has a unique resume. The Wildcats have beaten the defending national champion Florida Gators, rival UCLA in Inglewood, and went on the road to be UCONN.

The biggest factor into Arizona’s success is the freshman class it brought in. Highlighted by Koa Peat, whose introduction came against Florida with a 30 point performance, each freshman is a crucial part to the lineup.

Brayden Burries has started to find his groove, Ivan Kharchenkov is a glue guy who can do everything, and Dwayne Aristode has become an outside the arch threat.

With Tobe Awaka and Mo Krivas dominating the glass, there are very few holes on the roster. All that being said, Arizona has the making of a team that can make a final four run.

It would be the first final four appearance since 2001 when the Wildcats lost to Duke in the championship game.

Women’s basketball: Build the foundation for the future

In Becky Burke’s first season, she has gotten her team off to a 9-3 start. While it may have been against lesser competition, it is all part of the plan.

Coming over from Buffalo, this is Burke’s biggest opportunity as a head coach to this point. She was able to put together a roster mixed with upperclassman leadership and young talent.

Led by Noelani Cornfield, who followed Burke from Buffalo, is a do it all guard. By her side is Mickayla Perdue, a threat from beyond the arch.

Up to this point almost every player on the roster has been able to come in and showcase what they can do. Again, it’s all part of Burke’s plan to lay a foundation for the future.

More than likely this season won’t produce any post season action, given how talented the Big 12 is. This season is about gaining experience and trying to be as competitive as the Wildcats can be.

This means for freshmen like MJ Jurado and Daniah Trammell, this season is about coming in and crafting their games. Even for Burke, it is a season of growth.

Arizona will be put in situations where Burke is going to have to figure out how she handles certain situations as a coach. All of this leads into next season where the Wildcats will have a chance to continue off of the foundation built this season.

Baseball: Earn back-to-back World Series appearances

Following the program’s 19th appearance in the world series, Chip Hale is now looking to regroup to earn the 20th world series appearance next season.

With nine players from the 2025 roster taken in the MLB draft, the most since 2008, Arizona does return some key players from last season.

Pitchers Smith Bailey, Owen Kramkowski, and Tony Pluta all return this season. Bailey and Kramkowski combined for 36 starts last season, while Pluta is a proven closer

Arizona also returns left fielder Easton Breyfogle, first baseman/outfielder Andrew Cain, and third baseman Maddox Mihalakis.

Pieces are in place to help the Wildcats get back to the world series, as well as defend its Big 12 title. While they may have lost professional talent, Hale has shown he can coach his teams to post season highs.

Softball: Win Big 12 Championship

Last season, Arizona was able to have some post season opportunities. The Wildcats were able to get to the Big 12 championship and host an NCAA regional.

Caitlin Lowe will look to get her team back in both of those spots. However, this offseason has led to the loss of key veteran players from last season.

Seniors Devyn Netz, Paige Dimler, and Miranda Stoddard all finished out their careers last season. Then the transfer portal came into play when Dakota Kennedy and Kaiah Altmeyer left to SEC schools Arkansas and Texas.

Now Arizona will have to rely on veterans Sydney Stewart, Tayler Biehl, and Regan Shockey to lead the way this season. While the veterans lead, the youth of the team will have to step up right away to help make plays.

Sophomores Emma Kavanagh and Jenna Sniffen were able to gain some experience last season, which should help take some of the load off of the veterans.

While it may not be as talented of a team as last season was, there is still an opportunity for the Wildcats to get back to the Big 12 title game. If Arizona can go and win the Big 12, it could lead to another NCAA regional in Tucson.

Volleyball: Get back to NCAA tournament

In just her third year, Charita Stubbs took her program to the NCAA tournament for the first time under her tenure. Highlighted by Jordan Wilson, the Wildcats were able to make it to the second round before getting knocked out by Stanford.

Going from just eight wins in her first season, Stubbs has taken her program from ground zero and has turned it into a legit force to be reckoned with.

Next season, the Wildcats will be without Wilson, along with Ana Heath, who was a player that was relied upon by Stubbs to go in and be ready to do anything.

However, Arizona does bring back veteran Carlie Cisneros. With two seasons under her belt, it should be a breakout season for the junior outside hitter.

Also returning are middle blockers Journey Tucker and Adrianna Bridges. Both have shown an ability to create a wall at the net, while also being strong attackers.

The goal for next season is to get back to the NCAA tournament, but more than that, Arizona should want to host a regional. It would be an opportunity to showcase the new Taraflex court it installed this season.

Triathlon: Go for the three-peat

Wes Johnson has probably led the most successful program within Arizona athletics over the last couple of years. In just three years of existence, his team has won back to back national championships.

Beating out TCU and ASU in the championship, senior Kelly Wetteland earned the individual national champion title. She will be returning next year to lead her team.

So what could that mean for next season? Clearly, it means that Arizona should be a clear front runner to win its third straight title.

Returning next season alongside Wetteland, are four top ten finishers from the championship.

Juniors Margareta Vrablova, Ellison Wolfe, Mia Wentzy, and Ruth Pardy will be looking to either dethrone teammate Wetteland or finish once again in the top ten.

Soccer: Be competitive in the Big 12

Becca Moros will be entering her sixth season in Tucson, and safe to say they want to improve next season.

Coming off of a 7-11-1 season, the Wildcats struggled against conference opponents, only winning two conference games last season.

A big loss this offseason came when Aurora Gaines transferred to Auburn. She was tied for first in goals this season, and was second in assists.

One major area to focus on is the offense. In 15 of the 19 games, the Wildcats put up either a one or zero on the scoreboard. Going into next season, Moros should probably look to junior Jessica Bedolla, who was tied with Gaines for first in goals.

As far as defense, Arizona will be without senior goalkeeper Olivia Ramey. It will need to turn the page to one of two sophomores in either Sofia Cortes-Browne or Kayla Kirchoffner.

Cortes-Browne did play in two games last season, so more than likely she will start next season. Regardless of who starts for Arizona, they will need to be more competitive next season.

Many times last season, they looked as if it was just going through the motions of its games. If they can take control of games from the get-go, it will give them an opportunity to be more competitive in most of its games next season.



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Tennessee volleyball signs Georgia State transfer

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55 minutes ago

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December 25, 2025

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Dec. 25, 2025, 12:30 p.m. ET

Tennessee announced the signing of Georgia State volleyball transfer Marta Lazzarin. She earned 2025 Sun Belt Conference Libero of the Year honors as a freshman.

“We are really excited to add Marta to our program and have her train with us this spring,” Tennessee head coach Eve Rackham Watt said. “She is an elite serve receiver and will step in right away to add stability in our passing unit.

“I am looking forward to her bringing maturity, consistency and high-level international experience to our gym. Our staff believes Marta’s development will blossom on Rocky Top and she will help us in pursuing championships.”

The 5-foot-4 libero is from Venice, Italy.



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Gators Perform Well in Classroom During Fall 2025 Term

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1 hour ago

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December 25, 2025

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – University of Florida student-athletes performed well in the academic arena this fall, with collectively earning a 3.39 term grade point average.
 
A GPA of 3.0 or higher was turned in by 18 programs this fall with 81 percent of the student-athletes reaching that mark.
 
Through The Gators Experience program, all 21 sports logged 1,931 community service hours. This includes purchasing and distributing more than 400 new pairs of shoes and socks to children in the Gainesville community earlier this month for the annual Gator Tracks program.
 
This fall, 22 student-athletes graduated with a bachelor’s degrees while another seven earned a master’s. Eight graduated with honors.
 
Gators Classroom Success Numbers

Four programs set or equaled GPA records this past semester: men’s basketball (3.19), football (3.51), gymnastics (3.76) and men’s swimming & diving (3.51).
 

Sharing the high GPA of 3.51 for UF men’s programs for the fall term is men’s swimming & diving and football – a first for football. Gymnastics turned in the top term GPA (3.76) for the women’s teams for the third consecutive semester.
 
The fall 2025 team leaders also topped the fall 2024 and spring 2025 rankings to earn the cumulative high:
Men:         Cross Country (3.55 cumulative)
Women:  Gymnastics (3.72 cumulative)
 
UF Student-Athlete Fall 2025 Semester Highlights

  • 18 programs earned a 3.0 or better fall semester GPA

  • Overall Male Term GPA – 3.31

  • Overall Male Cumulative GPA – 3.31

  • Overall Female Term GPA – 3.48

  • Overall Female Cumulative GPA – 3.49 (Record)

  • 4.0 fall 2025 GPA by 50 student-athletes

 
 



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Syracuse.com winter girls volleyball rankings (through Week 4): 2 new teams enter top 10

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1 hour ago

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December 25, 2025

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Tully High School Girls’ Volleyball Holiday Tournament
The Tully girls volleyball team enters the rankings after defeating Christian Brothers Academy and Fabius-Pompey over the last week. (Anthony Caimano | Contributing photographer)(Anthony Caimano | Contributing photographer)

Syracuse, N.Y. — As we approach the midway point of the winter girls volleyball regular season, two new teams climbed into the latest syracuse.com rankings.

Tully enters the rankings after defeating Christian Brothers Academy and Fabius-Pompey since last week’s rankings and Cooperstown rounds out the top 10 after defeating Sauquoit Valley last week.

The top eight spots of the rankings remained unchanged. There is, however, an upcoming matchup between Little Falls and Canastota that could mix things up.

Syracuse.com’s girls winter volleyball rankings will run every Thursday through the end of sectionals.

Here’s how the teams land this week.

I’m the managing producer for high school sports coverage at syracuse.com. I’ve been covering Section III athletics for nearly a decade. I graduated from Utica University in 2017 and bring a unique perspective…



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