NGOs will be taking over a derelict government building in Cospicua, which is set to be refurbished into a housing project containing areas for specialized programmes.

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Accommodation Roderick Galdes said that €500,000 has been put aside purposely for the project, and several other properties around the island will be converted as part of this scheme.

The NGOs will be selected based on a list of certain criteria, and both the property and funds will be supplied for the refurbishment into specialized housing.

This kind of housing, Galdes explained, will ensure that housing would encourage people to get the help they needed.