I refer to an article quoting the Marsa mayor and Labour Youth Forum chairman as expressing doubts over the sanitary conditions at the Marsa Open Centre (TMID, 2 July).

The Family and Social Solidarity Ministry has made intensive efforts to refurbish the former school and ensure that the standard of accommodation is appropriate. This included the upgrading and supply of adequate of sanitary facilities.

The work was carried out under the guidance of the Department of Housing, Construction and Maintenance and the necessary Mepa application had been submitted by the project architect. The building was surveyed by an architect and a civil engineer to ensure that the refurbishment of the property reached the required standards for the accommodation of the asylum-seekers.

In the meantime, an interim management agreement ensures that the residents are provided with support and that the residence is kept clean and well-maintained.

The interim management reports that the residents are content with the accommodation facilities and that they have settled well. The facility has been refurbished according to recommended standards for similar set-ups.

Local and international NGOs working in the sector have visited it and described the centre as an adequate place for accommodating asylum-seekers.

Laura Mifsud Bonnici

Communications Coordinator

Ministry for the Family

and Social Solidarity