Malta’s sound economy is the main reason why the government can continue implementing more and more projects, said Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday. He was visiting a number of projects initiated by the government.

The Prime Minister, accompanied by Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity Dolores Cristina, visited a construction site in Pembroke, which will have 64 apartments. Minister Cristina said the Housing Authority currently has 34 ongoing housing projects in 18 localities and referred to the Shared Ownership scheme that is being adopted as a “total success”. The authority will also be issuing tenders for 29 new projects in 12 localities shortly.

Dr Gonzi next visited Mosta primary school, where he was joined by Minister of Education Louis Galea, who told the press that work is currently being carried out in 40 different schools. Work varies from maintenance, upgrading of sanitary facilities and replacement of apertures, to building of new schools.

Afterwards, Prime Minister Gonzi visited Chadwick Lakes, where workers from the Public Cleansing Department were busy cleaning up watercourses.

The Prime Minister’s next stop was at Mellieha where he visited the football pitch, which will shortly be laid with synthetic turf, and the residence for the elderly that is scheduled to be opened in 195 days’ time.

Dr Gonzi’s last stop was at Noah’s Ark, a dog sanctuary in Cirkewwa, where he engaged in a discussion with children while fondling a puppy that will be shortly sent to a Swedish lady who took a fancy to it. The Prime Minister told the children he has a cat and that in another life he would like to be an eagle “to soar high in the sky”. He also advised them not to have a pet if they were not prepared to take care of it.