The locality of Mosta will be benefiting from urban embellishment projects including the paving of roads and the creation of an outdoor gym financed by the Development Planning Fund (DPF).
This was announced by Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia who explained that the Planning Authority has approved and financed 13 projects to the equivalent of just over half a million euro.
This includes the signing of the six projects – four of which cover the embellishment and paving of narrow roads in various areas of the locality, namely Triq Charles J Vassallo, Sqaq Xorxa, Triq Dun Mikiel Xerri, and Triq San Anton Abbati Sqaq Nru 3.
The two other projects include the creation of an outdoor gym and the replacement of existing lamps with more energy-efficient ones.
The minister explained that numerous investments have been made in improving Malta’s quality of life and environmental sustainability, also through its Planning Development Fund.
He explained that the fund promotes projects which embellish urban areas for the benefit of the wider residential community, with financing made available to local councils, NGOs, and other entities.
It is also Malta’s most widescale injection of capital into projects that particularly promote urban greening and support vulnerable sectors of society.
The submitted funds have primarily been used for localities’ community projects aimed at mitigating the negative effects of urban development. The contribution, therefore, is kept within the locality to be used on projects that improve its community facilities and green areas.
Since its inception in January 2017, the authority has signed 129 contracts with local councils and NGOs which cover a total of more than €12.7 million.
Following consultations, the minister announced a number of changes to the DPF, with an aim of encouraging greener and more socially conscious planning projects by local councils, NGOs, and third parties.
“These changes are part of a holistic overhaul of the concept of planning – shifting towards more intelligent planning and a greener vision for our localities”, said the minister.
