€1.6 million housing investment launched for seniors who live independently

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg and Minister for Social Accommodation Roderick Galdes, along with Parliament Secretary Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, launched a €1.6 million housing investment with works carried out by the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC) where senior citizens living independently will be accommodated.

Minister Ian Borg praised the work being done by GHRC not only at the level of housing but also the work being carried out in other locations around Malta especially in the Grand Harbour.

“Once again, the GHRC is carrying out work similar to what it did a few months ago, where a dilapidated and abandoned building which had no use was regenerated so that it can now accommodate and be enjoyed by the people. Through this investment we are creating 23 units that will be accommodating 31 beds. This is because there are apartments with single beds and others with double beds. For this project, in less than three years, the GHRC has carried out a restoration of the façade with a total of 1,300 square meters and a complete regeneration of 1,400 square meters on the inside in order to provide the highest quality building that is even accessible for people with mobility impairment. I will continue to work to ensure that the people’s assets are enjoyed by the people themselves whilst also preserving their value. I look forward to more valuable work from the various authorities and entities within my ministry”, said Minister Borg.

Minister for Social Accommodation Roderick Galdes said that, “Regeneration is an integral part of housing policy to strengthen the stock used for social purposes. This project will be offering an adequate housing solution to seniors who live independently but have a low income”.

Minister Galdes also explained how this initiative is part of a series of innovative measures through which the Housing Authority has reduced the number of people waiting for help by half.

Parliamentary Secretary Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi explained that the aim of this project is to regenerate a number of public buildings and the surrounding areas thus improving their accessibility and ensuring their structural stability. He stated that these works are part of the regeneration project in the lower parts of Valletta which is being carried out with an investment of €24 million in European funds.

The parliamentary secretary concluded by saying that through the investment being made for the regeneration of the Marsamxett area, there is continued improvement in terms of sustainable development in our country, and a simultaneous improvement in the quality of life of the people. This regeneration is a holistic one which incorporates various aspects including the social, the economic and the cultural.