“Enhancing accessibility has always been seen as fundamental to social housing policy,” said Minister for Social and Affordable Housing Roderick Galdes, after inaugurating three new lifts in three social housing buildings in the locality of San Gwann.
The Minister explained how lifts that can accommodate between three and five people were installed in these three blocks and were made with an investment of € 230,000. “Such an investment not only enhances accessibility but also improves the quality of life of residents,” reiterated Minister Galdes.
Minister Galdes explained how some of the elevator installation projects have brought with them various challenges including major shortcomings on the part of contracted contractors which has led the authorities to take strong measures to protect the interests of residents and of Government. In fact, three contractors have been set up in the last four years after failing to comply with the agreement reached between them and the Housing Authority.
“It is not acceptable for residents to suffer due to the shortcomings of a contractor, who fails to meet his obligations, deadlines and quality. It was such circumstances that led to a certain delay that we responded to. We didn’t stop there and took all the necessary steps, first to hold those who held back the projects that actually had the contract terminated accountable, and then to make sure the projects were implemented properly. Now day after day we are seeing more residents enjoying accessible blocks thanks to the installation of these lifts, ” said Minister Roderick Galdes.
He said that through the decisions taken, today the process of installing an elevator is becoming more rapid. Various inspections are also continuously carried out on the ongoing works to ensure that the work is always of the highest standard.
It was also explained that in certain situations there will be delays because when excavation work is being carried out, unexpected challenges such as unstable foundations will result and they will need to be redesigned; running water and drainage system problems. In several cases it is also noted that there are hidden underground services and that they will have to be re-routed, as well as communal roofs that are found to be structurally inadequate and need to be replaced.
Various works are currently underway on the installation of new elevators in 11 locations at 24 different sites. The localities where this work is being carried out are Tal-Pietà, Valletta, Floriana, Marsa, Birkirkara, Żebbuġ, Santa Luċija, Mosta, San Ġwann, Ta ‘Xbiex and Rabat.
