Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has officially launched the newly refurbished correctional facility for inmates who are under 21 years of age. The facility is in Imtahleb and the refurbishment was carried out thanks to Norwegian funds.

He explained that the funds were on the shelf waiting to be used since 2009, but it had to be the Labour Government to take the political decision to use this money for this project. Dr Muscat said that this is another step forward and which shows that there was a change in the mentality of the government in the way decisions are taken. He said that it took more time to go through the bureaucratic process than to actually build the place.

"From a place which only offered condemnation, we now have a place for proper change. I encourage all the inmates to believe that they can reform."

Dr Muscat said that this project has to be taken into context as the country discusses the legalisation of certain substances. He said that the discussion over this matter has to be based on policy and science.

The project in Imtahleb costs €1.4 million. The facility has the ability to host 50 inmates.