The first community home for persons with a disability was inaugurated today by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

The home in Siggiewi is the first of 10 such residences that will be opened in Malta and Gozo targeted towards people with a disability.

The aim is for these residents to live independently in the homes with a minimum of assistance.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with a Disability Justyne Caruana said a second home will be opening in Gozo in the coming months and a further five homes will be opened next year.

Asked about the government’s proposed €12 million disability hub -which has been criticised as being segregation by stealth- Dr Muscat said the hub will be integrated into the community.

He said the hub will include commercial spaces, a pool and day cares centres, which will all be open to the public.