PM Muscat inaugurates tenth community home for persons with disability

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat yesterday inaugurated the tenth community residential home for persons with disability, which is located in Zabbar.

The project enables persons with disabilities to continue living independently within their communities and forms part of the Social Justice Project (Progett Socjeta Gusta) which has seen the construction of nine other similar homes around Malta and Gozo.

Speaking at an event in front of the new building, Muscat said that, “[they] were committed to realising the ambitious project for providing individuals with the autonomous choice to move into these independent living homes and remaining within their communities which gives them the opportunity to integrate better with society. It is a milestone for the disabled, but it is also very significant for all the families and individuals of these persons.”

The project, which was initiated by current Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana under the ministry of now President Marie Louise Coleiro-Preca and forms part of the government’s wider commitment to radically improve the county’s social policy, has seen an investment of 6 million euro, and is expected to cost roughly 3 million euro per year to maintain.

“We refute the argument that the government is doing well economically but not in other sectors, this project is evidence of this. Prosperity with a purpose, this is the way we work,” he said.

Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing Anthony Agius Decelis also spoke at the event, highlighted the importance of the help and support of professional individuals who will provide round the clock service for the inhabitants of all the homes, which currently stands at 58 residents and involves roughly 100 workers.

“Through the support agency we have also given the opportunity for 276 people to remain within their communities,” he explained.

He also revealed that he is seeking to kickstart an initiative which will see improved accessibility for disabled persons at Maltese feasts.

Minister Michael Falzon, Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes, and Zabbar Mayor Mark Vella Bonnici were also in attendance.