Prime Minister Robert Abela, accompanied by the Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri and in the presence of President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, inaugurated the Qriema Children’s Garden, in Qormi.
This project was carried out with an investment of €1.9 million, most of which was financed by the National Development and Social Fund, NDSF, as well as INDIS Malta. The garden, which is spread over 3,600 square meters, has been transformed into a community space with modern, recreational and educational facilities. Ġnien it-Tfal Qriema now offers a beautiful, safe and inclusive environment for families, children and the entire Qormi community.
Prime Minister Robert Abela stressed that this project is part of a broader effort to create more open spaces in the heart of communities. He recalled how a few days ago the agreement was closed through which Manoel Island and Fort Tigné were returned to the people and said that the same vision is being delivered to localities through projects that prioritize quality of life.
He said that these are places where people can relax and enjoy their community. The garden also includes modern play equipment, an outdoor gym and a designated picnic area, with the aim of encouraging a more active and healthy lifestyle among both children and adults. The Prime Minister appealed to children and families to enjoy this space and at the same time take care of it.
During the inauguration, reference was also made to the library located in the same garden. This library was named after the father of President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Anthony J. Coleiro, an educator and philanthropist. The Prime Minister said that this was a fitting gesture towards a person who did a lot of good in the educational field and who helped many children of Qriema move forward.
“Now that we have completed this place, we will complete the St. George’s primary school, here is where the garden is so that we can have this complete area. A more beautiful area as the people of Qriema truly deserve,” the Prime Minister reiterated.
In a message to the children present, who are part of the Qormi Children’s Council, the Prime Minister encouraged them to remain active, engage in discussions, study, explore and continue to be part of the positive changes in our country. He said that children play an important role in the next chapter of our country. This is as, through the Malta 2050 Vision, we are looking towards a future where their dreams will not remain just dreams on paper but will be realised.
Dr Abela thanked everyone involved in the implementation of this project, including the NDSF and INDIS, and said that the synergy between different entities led to a beautiful garden that will serve the Qormi community for many years.
Minister Silvio Schembri said that through a strong economy we can continue to improve the quality of people’s lives and referred to the opening of this garden, as a practical example of this. “With this investment, we have transformed an area of 3,600 square meters into a modern space for our children. A direct investment for Qriema families and the entire community, so that they can enjoy more time together”, reiterated Minister Schembri.
President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca stressed that this garden has a beautiful meaning. “In a time when many children spend too much time locked inside or in front of screens, spaces like this give them the freedom to play, make friends and create beautiful memories that will stay with them for a lifetime”, stressed President Emeritus Coleiro Preca.
Photos: DOI/OPM
