The Sapport Agency will be able to increase its services to people with disabilities and their families after an agreement was signed with the Lands Authority for a building in Pahal Gdid to be formally handed over to the same agency.
This was announced by the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia Portelli and the Minister for Lands and Implementation of the Electoral Program Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi during a visit to the site.
This site, from where Aġenzija Sapport is currently delivering the service through a day center to 37 people with disabilities, will also include more indoor and outdoor facilities. Therefore this will allow the Agency to improve the provision of services given by this place with innovative programs with the aim of benefiting more people with disabilities.
Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli meant that through this agreement, more disabled people will be in a position to receive more help. “The crucial help that Aġenzija Sapport offers will continue to be extended to more vulnerable people. This government has the development of people with disabilities close to its heart and will continue to invest as many resources as are needed so that they remain supported with all the help that is needed,” concluded Minister Farrugia Portelli.
For his part, Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi explained that the Lands Authority, as is already being done with several local councils, is supporting Aġenzija Sapport. “Through such an agreement, more buildings and public lands are being utilized for the benefit of our communities where various services offered by the Government are offered, as in this case to the disabled and the their relatives,” concluded Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi.
The CEO of Aġenzija Sapport, Oliver Scicluna, referred to this agreement as another investment not only for the Agency but also for those who are making or will make use of the facilities. “This is another step in the way of the Agency in its commitment to strengthen the services in the community, making them more accessible, while ensuring that the services are provided in a modern environment and that allows its use by the community ,” repeated Mr. Scicluna, while thanking the voluntary organization PHRF that managed this place over the years. He added that the Agency will also be extending its support and collaboration to other voluntary organizations working in the sector so that this site is useful for the whole sector.
The Chief Executive of the Lands Authority, Robert Vella, acknowledged that the Authority is once again doing its best so that buildings that can be used in a better way pass to governmental entities with the aim of developing valuable projects for the community good. “Through an agreement like this, we are ensuring that the Government’s assets administered by the same authority are given value and at the same time they give space to public entities in order to reduce the costs of rents as much as possible,” he concluded. says Mr Vella.
