I am pleased to note that the Housing Authority has taken the bull by the horns and is planning to allocated Lm3 million to buy old houses and convert them into new residences.

Too many houses are left to rot by their owners – probably because of outdated rent laws – and apart from being an ugly sight, they are occupying so much space which could otherwise be used for other purposes.

One other preoccupying factor is that we are now going for more high-rise buildings, just because we do not have the space. This may be the right approach in a tiny island, but at the same time it shows that we are choosing the easy way out.

I believe that the urban regeneration scheme as being proposed by the Housing Authority makes a lot of sense. Redecorating dilapidated buildings will give them a new lease of life and provide housing for many more people.

I do wish that private entrepreneurs will follow this example.

M. Camilleri

Mosta