Mrs Debono said the ministry felt that it should construct a new, modern complex because the existing one in Ghajnsielem had structural limitations that did not allow a proper, modern service to be offered. Work on the new building has taken a year-and-a-half.

In 1993, 28 people were making use of the Ghajnsielem Centre. This year, there are 40 people who make use of the centre and this is expected to increase to 49 by 2005.

The adult training centre employs the use of individual therapy. The current building does not allow for this to be administered comfortably. Mrs Debono also explained that the new centre makes more economic sense, as the land on which the Ghajnsielem centre is built belongs to the Gozo ecclesiastical authorities and rent has to be paid. She said: “Government will recoup the rent and will also have a building constructed to its own specifications.”

The van will serve the centre well, said Mrs Debono, as it can accommodate 14 people or an alternate configuration of five wheelchairs and two people. The van is fully air-conditioned and, as the name suggests, is serviced by a tail lift.

Mrs Debono said the ministry felt that it should construct a new, modern complex because the existing one in Ghajnsielem had structural limitations that did not allow a proper, modern service to be offered. Work on the new building has taken a year-and-a-half.

In 1993, 28 people were making use of the Ghajnsielem Centre. This year, there are 40 people who make use of the centre and this is expected to increase to 49 by 2005.

The adult training centre employs the use of individual therapy. The current building does not allow for this to be administered comfortably. Mrs Debono also explained that the new centre makes more economic sense, as the land on which the Ghajnsielem centre is built belongs to the Gozo ecclesiastical authorities and rent has to be paid. She said: “Government will recoup the rent and will also have a building constructed to its own specifications.”

The van will serve the centre well, said Mrs Debono, as it can accommodate 14 people or an alternate configuration of five wheelchairs and two people. The van is fully air-conditioned and, as the name suggests, is serviced by a tail lift.