The government, the Housing Authority and the Valletta local council have been working hand-in-hand for the past few years to revamp Valletta’s housing.

This is a very good move. In fact, the government and the council last week unveiled a block of apartments in St Ursula Street that was previously a dilapidated and quite shameful block of houses which, unfortunately, typified the lower reaches of Valletta.

The block was turned into 29 brand-new apartments at a cost of about Lm1.1 million and has created good, comfortable and modern accommodation for people. The apartments were snapped up at subsidised rates according to income.

What is also important is that the apartments were kept in the traditional Valletta style – down to the wooden balconies and stone-carving that adorns the façade. A stark contrast indeed to some of the square-stoned and metal balconied monstrosities which were built in the 1970s. It was announced that the façade alone cost Lm45,000. However, it must be said that this was money well spent. In addition, new infrastructure and services are being laid.

What is equally significant was that the housing units were rented out to existing Valletta residents as well as new residents which have moved to the Capital City.

This is all very commendable and many would argue that such investment will do the Capital a lot of good. However, we must ensure that there is continuity. While one understands that money may not be that readily available, more such projects should be embarked upon.

It could also be an idea to concentrate on certain areas in Valletta at a time. It is a known fact that quality breeds quality and if certain areas begin to look better, the surrounding zones will be more attractive to prospective home buyers.

One or two apartment blocks are not going to do that much good unless there is a sustained effort to revamp the numerous derelict buildings in Valletta. Perhaps, the government – apart from revamping and leasing out buildings – could also come up with more schemes as well as incentives to encourage home-makers to move to the Capital City.

Another good move in the Capital is the government’s effort to install lifts in older apartment buildings. Over 60 per cent of Valletta’s population is elderly and their mobility is restricted if they have to negotiate flights of stairs to get to and from their house. One elderly man pointed out that there were a total of 107 steps to get to his apartment. He said that he used to try not leave the flat and did all his errands in one day in order to save his legs.

The government installed a lift in the block, which was admittedly no easy task due to the “pre-lift” type construction employed in Valletta and the man now goes out every day, saying the lift has helped everyone in the block to live a normal and full life. While the government has already invested Lm300,000 to install lifts, we hope that many more are fitted in order to improve people’s quality of life.

However, while one sees that Valletta is particular as it needs more capital projects such as these, other lesser aspects should not be looked over. The back streets are in need of resurfacing and the refuse collection system needs to be looked so that it may become more efficient. More waste-bins – particularly in areas frequented by many people such as Republic Street – should be made available.

The government should also embark on a plan to make the old fashioned stone steps easier to negotiate for older residents. A simple metal handrail could do the trick.