Social housing is an important tool for meeting the social needs and challenges around us. In fact, to address the unprecedented situation found in 2017, the one where the Housing Authority had before it the highest waiting list in the history of 3,288 people while having the smallest stock available to addressing that need, the government has resorted to the largest social project in the last forty years with the construction of 1,700 new apartments.
However, “Building new social housing has never been the only solution to overcoming these challenges,” said Minister Roderick Galdes. He explained that in recent years a comprehensive housing system has been created that promotes social mobility. This system started with the regulation of the rental market which included strengthening the stock by all possible means, and different solutions to increase access to adequate housing. These include regeneration, restoration of dilapidated homes and investment alternatives to vacant homeowners. It was these different solutions that led to 700 allocations in recent years.
Of these 700 allocations, 103 were made in Gozo. The Minister for Social Housing emphasized to date, “Any applicant who was eligible, ie who passed the rigorous screening and audits of the Housing Authority and requested or wished to be allocated a home on the island of Gozo, it his request was granted and granted. ” Minister Galdes explained that the profiling exercise and other studies that the government is carrying out regularly have always shown that Gozo presents different realities than Malta.
“The supply in Gozo corresponds to the demand that has arisen in recent years. We are ready to respond to any need that evolves as well, “concluded Minister Roderick Galdes.
Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri mentioned that in Gozo 103 housing allocations were made so that, to date, the application of every applicant who was eligible for a home in Gozo, was welcomed. This is a testament to how this government cares for all and ensures that the people are living the quality of life they deserve.
Clint Camilleri said, “That is why social housing is being given priority not only in Malta but also in Gozo. Gozo is with the facts at the heart of the work of this government even in this sector. ” Minister Camilleri concluded that this is a government that helps and supports those in need so that no one falls behind and who cares about young people and families. Above all, it is a government that cares about Gozo and Gozitan families.
