Environment Minister Jose Herrera and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Silvio Parnis have signed an agreement with eight local councils whol will benefit from the Greener Communities scheme this year.

The eight local councils are: Floriana, Kalkara, Marsascala, Mtarfa, Xaghjra, Zejtun, Nadur and Paola.

470 bushes will be planted at the Mall, Pjazza Papa Ġwanni XXIII and Pjazza Robert Sammut in Floriana.

In Kalkara, 50 trees and 147 bushes will be planted in sites that include Rinella, Marina Alley 1 and 2 and S. Filumena.

37 trees and 40 bushes will be planted in Triq is-Salina, near the new primary school and the Zonqor playing field in Zonqor.

Mtarfa will see the restoration of Triq il-Kavallier Vincenzo Bonello, a wooded area that covers some 25 tumoli.

In Xagħjra, 68 trees and 231 bushes will be planted along the promenade, Fortizza tal-Grazzja and Triq il-Knisja, among other sites.

In Zejtun, 85 trees and 230 bushes will be planted in Ġnien il-Kmandant, Ġnien San Girgor and the Ta’ Strejnu area.

50 trees and 147 bushes will be planted in a number of sites in Nadur, including Pjazza San Pietru u San Pawl, Belvedere – Triq Cocco Palmieri and opposite the school.

A 52 square metre green wall will be installed in Paola.

Minister Herrera said we can make a difference in the environment even on a local level.

Parliamentary Secretary Parnis referred to the Memorandum of Understanding with several local councils so provide them with money from the Urban Greening Fund.

He said 41 local councils will be given 3,450 trees to plant in their respective localities.

The Greener Communities scheme has seen 35 local councils being given upwards of €1.2 million. The eight local councils participating this year will be given €240,000 in funds.