A Memorandum of Understanding signed between Caritas Malta and the Energy and Water Agency seeks to help the most vulnerable families, with an initial investment of €400,000.
At the initiative of the Minister for Energy, Enterprise, and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli, the two sides came together to see how they can assist the most families in need. This initiative follows the ‘A Minimum Essential Budget for a Decent Living 2020’ study, published by Caritas. The assistance through EWA, that will be provided to dozens of families identified by Caritas Malta, will help them reduce water consumption, receive advice on how to save water and, where necessary, help them replace defective equipment, including water pipes and appliances. This aid could reach up to €5,000 per family.
“It is our responsibility to listen to what organisations like Caritas have to say, and to act on them. Sustainable development means a number of things, including ensuring the efficient use of energy and water. Efficiency also means lower costs for our families”, said the minister.
Whilst technological advancements are being made to make water and energy use more efficient, there is still a risk that due to higher costs, these technologies are not afforded by all.
“It is therefore important to ensure that no one is left behind on the path to a more sustainable use of resources. This is precisely the purpose of this agreement between the agency and Caritas: to work closer together to identify the help that is needed and to make a real difference in people’s lives”, said Minister Miriam Dalli.
On his part, the Chief Executive of the Energy and Water Agency Manuel Sapiano explained how in addition to the home interventions to assess ways to reduce consumption, monitoring and data collection will be carried out to quantify the effect of these measures.
He also stressed that with this information, the agency would be able to identify those measures that have the most positive impact on both consumption and households. “In this way, we will be in a better position to continue to provide valuable advice on such measures, which should make the greatest positive impact”, said Mr Sapiano.
Anthony Gatt, the Director and Chairperson of the Caritas Malta Foundation, said that Caritas is recognising the commitment of the ministry to raise public awareness on the sustainable use and conservation of water.
“We also appreciate Minister Dalli’s initiative to put into practice the recommendations set out in the ‘A Minimum Essential Budget for a Decent Living 2020’ study, which Caritas Malta has just published”, said Mr Gatt.
“In this way the study is serving as a driver to carry out measures that lead to a reduction in the expenditure of families in their daily life, taking into account physical health, as well as environmental protection.”
Caritas Malta described this initiative as, “A step closer towards those families and individuals on the periphery and who are so dear to Caritas Malta”.
