Reference is made to the article entitled “Heritage preservation and blind eyes” (TMIS, 12 September). The Housing Authority (HA) would like to submit the following comments to readers of this newspaper so as to have a wider picture of the urban regeneration projects currently being undertaken in Bormla and Msida.
The urban regeneration project in Bormla consists of three phases. The first two phases were completed some years ago and provided social accommodation to various families, while permits have been obtained for the demolition and construction of the last phase. At present, HA with other entities, is participating in a regeneration project in the Ta’ San Nikola and Verdala areas.
As regards the Msida urban regeneration area in Valley Road, known as L-Ghajn tal-Hasselin’, it has long been prone to heavy flooding. Most of the buildings did not have any form of damp proofing and thus all residents and shop owners/tenants were suffering from the ill effects of flooding. Moreover, the buildings were badly eroded due to humidity problems and consequently were in very poor structural condition. Besides, the layout of most of the premises, which were privately owned, was very far from adequate by present day standards. Some of the premises were in fact being used as stables or stores. The reconstruction of the first and second phases of the urban renewal has provided 97 new apartments together with 22 commercial premises. All evictees from all five phases of the Msida urban renewal have been re-accommodated in the newly built block.
Applications for the demolition and reconstruction of the remaining two phases of the Msida urban regeneration were submitted to Mepa way back in 2002/2003 and permits were eventually issued in 2009. The applications for all phases were very closely scrutinized by Mepa, which carried out all the consultations required on which basis the permits for reconstruction were eventually issued.
The remaining phases of the Msida urban regeneration, comprising premises in Valley Road, Garcin Street, Garcin Lane and Triq l-Ispizjar Sciberras will create 143 apartments and 37 garages in all. Therefore, once these blocks are completed 143 families will benefit from social housing accommodation.
Contrary to what was said in the article, the demolition material is being separated by the contractor engaged to pull down the buildings. The raw material is being stored by the contractor for future use in the construction of rubble walls. The contractor has also been bound by the HA to follow all regulations including Health & Safety and Environmental management of construction sites and is in fact being closely scrutinized by the competent authorities to ensure that he is adhering to these regulations.
The HA apologises for any inconvenience caused to residents and anyone passing through this area and notifies that the clearing process has been taken in hand and is expected to be completed within the next two weeks. Measures have been and will be taken to control dust generation.
Apart from urban regeneration schemes, the HA wishes to report that from 1 January to date it has granted the total sum of €602,651.13 in rent subsidies on privately-owned properties (Scheme R) that are being used as ordinary houses of residences by the applicant and his/her family. Currently, 1,063 beneficiaries are benefiting from this scheme.
Finally, the HA would like to express its appreciation for the valid contribution of all NGOs and environmentalists to make our country a better place.
Albert Buttigieg
Chief Executive Officer
Housing Authority