The government has invested around Lm3 million in improving the infrastructure of the industrial zones of Handaq, Zebbug, Mriehel and Mosta, parliamentary secretary Edwin Vassallo said.

Speaking during a visit to the Handaq industrial zone accompanied by GRTU director general Vince Farrugia, the parliamentary secretary said the government was committed to maintaining these industrial zones and in recent years spent Lm400,000 on their upkeep.

Among other works, last year Lm24,000 was spent on the cleaning and maintenance of roads.

The installation of new street lighting and the maintenance of existing lights cost Lm22,000, and Lm27,000 was spent on signs, road markings and traffic signs.

Mr Vassallo said the parliamentary secretariat worked hand in hand with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority in order to facilitate the trade licensing process for establishments working from industrial zones.

He said that together with the GRTU, a number of signs were put up forbidding the parking of trailers in Handaq road; with the help of Koptasin, a number of signs promoting cleanliness in the zone were also put up. A regular cleaning service is being offered thanks to workers from the Public Cleansing Department and private contractors.

Together with the Street Naming Committee and the local council, 11 streets were named for the first time.

Mr Vassallo also gave information about infrastructural works that were carried out in the area and said that in the past few years around four kilometres of new pavements were constructed. He said the government spent over Lm500,000 in order to carry out infrastructural works, which consisted primarily in the construction of 11 roads in the zone.

In the Handaq industrial zone, there are around 150 businesses, which together employ around 450 people. He said the government was committed to ensuring that these work in the best possible environment.

“We would like to see the number of workers and small business owners in the zone to continue to increase,” he said.