The maintenance of existing social housing blocks has been and will continue to be an absolute priority for the government. Improvements and repairs in the common parts of these blocks are essential tools for the residents of these neighbourhoods to enjoy a better standard of living in a well-maintained environment.
Minister for Social Accommodation Roderick Galdes explained this during a press conference at the Laparelli Gardens in Valletta, where various mayors of a number of local councils which will be benefiting from this initiative were also present.
For several years, social accommodation was provided to the beneficiaries without planning ahead for what the next step would be, and this manifested itself in a lack of maintenance. Therefore, in the words of Minister Galdes, a solution had to be found together with the entities that are closest to the communities where these residents live – the local councils.
Through this initiative, which is being held for the fifth consecutive year, the Housing Authority will offer €600,000 in financial assistance, which will cover the repair and maintenance of around one hundred blocks, scattered across 16 localities.
These funds will see to the repairs of blocks in Paola, Żebbug, Santa Venera, Ħal Tarxien, Msida, Rabat, Santa Luċija, Ħal Kirkop, Marsa, Mosta, Floriana, Cospicua, Birkirkara, Valletta, Senglea and San Ġwann.
Minister Galdes said that at the heart of such measures there are the people, not buildings. “I firmly believe in the duty of caring for public property for the enjoyment of today’s residents and future ones.”
“Collaboration is a crucial point of this scheme, but it is not the only factor. This scheme gives a sense of ownership since it empowers the residents of the block to appoint an administrator from among them, and this administrator then submits the application to the local council concerned”, concluded Minister Roderick Galdes.
Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera stated that the Ministry for Social Accommodation is truly making a difference, and that the subject of social accommodation is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges that our country is facing, all the more so after the position taken by our courts and European Courts in this regard.
“It is a proper and timely decision that for this scheme Minister Galdes has chosen to directly involve local councils. This decision is also part of my vision, as minister responsible for local councils, to involve our councils more and more in matters that directly affect our communities”, claimed Minister Herrera.
Photos: DOI/MSA
