The Minister for Active Aging Jo Etienne Abela, together with the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli and the Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett, visited work in progress on the first floor of the Local Council building of Floriana.
What work is changing part of this floor that was not being used into a Day Center for the elderly living in the community. This project is partly financed by Norwegian Funds and its aim is to create a space in the community of Floriana where the elderly feel more involved in the community. This project includes works to make the building more accessible where new lifts and accessible toilets will be installed.
The project will also include a new kitchenette and a recreation room so that the elderly have an adequate place to socialize. This room will also have the assistance of a carer for everything needed by the elderly. It is planned that as soon as this center begins to welcome the elderly, basic courses will begin to be given to those interested.
The Minister for Active Aging Jo Etienne Abela explained how such projects are a testimony of the government’s commitment to continue improving the quality of life of the elderly. He continued that through this project they will offer a place where the elderly will be helped to remain active and part of the community. “This is the vision that together we want to fulfill, to improve the quality of life and work for the good of the community”, concluded Minister Abela.
Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli, praised the Floriana Local Council for recognizing the needs of the elderly community in its locality and working in favor of this project with the aim of improving the quality of life of the residents. She explained that the Government fully believes in the importance of inclusion and accessibility for a fairer society, and that these two factors will translate well in the Furian community through this project. “We are committed to continue delivering all the necessary resources to the Local Councils because we believe they are the extension of the Government’s work in the heart of our communities,” concluded Alison Zerafa Civelli.
The Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett said that the aim of this project is to improve the quality of life of Floriana’s elderly by reducing social exclusion and offering learning opportunities throughout life and physical activity that addresses the social and educational needs of citizens. “This is a project that is creating an element of wealth in society for the elderly of the Furian community and with which it continues to emphasize the goals of this government so that it is always close to the people,” concluded Parliamentary Secretary Bonett.
The Mayor of the Local Council of Floriana Vincent Borg said that the project is expected to be inaugurated and open to the elderly at the beginning of next year. The opening days will be from Monday to Friday, during the middle of the morning. Present during this visit were also several members from the Floriana Local Council.
