€150,000 will be spent on the renovation of 30 Housing Estates in 10 localities said Parliamentary Secretary for Social Accommodation Roderick Galdes said this morning.

The 10 localities are Ta' Xbiex (six blocks), Msida (five blocks), Floriana (four blocks), Hamrun (three blocks), Santa Lucija (three blocks), Valletta (two blocks), Marsa (two blocks), Zejtun (two blocks), Santa Venera (two blocks) and St Julian's (one block). 

He explained that the blocks will undergo works such as the installation of new doors and windows, replacement of broken tiles and the installation of new light-fittings and intercoms, alongside others. This investment follows €320,000 invested between 2017 and last year to revamp 63 housing blocks. He said that such buildings have been around since the 70’s and were in desperate need of renovation works.

Housing Authority head Leonid McKay said that such an investment is not only to improve the maintenance of the building but also the quality of life for those 220 families who live in these estates. He recalled how yesterday while visiting a number of blocks which had works under last year’s funding, he was approached by a resident. He said that “they told me that the clearing up of their building’s façade and hallways have improved the relations amongst the residents, proving how the maintenance effort made truly has a social benefit.”

Minister for Family, Children’s Rights and Social Solidarity Michael Falzon said that such an initiative is to have a positive effect on the Maltese family, especially those families or family members who are in need of social Housing. “They are those who are going through a divorce or separation and have no other choice but to seek help in regards to means of housing, and the renovation of such buildings will improve the quality of life for those families.” He concluded that with the help of local councils, the renovation of such housing estates is a priority for the community of the residences within those localities.