The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works, Chris Bonett, has unveiled a series of new community projects as part of the "Vjal Kulħadd" initiative.
These projects, with a total investment of €10 million, will create new public spaces in several localities across the country, the Transport Ministry said in a statement.
During the launch event, attended by various local councils and NGOs, details were shared about the 14 projects selected in the first phase. These projects will begin this year and will be implemented by Infrastructure Malta. Their main goal is to promote a more active lifestyle by introducing pedestrian zones, cycling lanes, and green spaces. From an infrastructure perspective, the projects will also address issues such as flooding and enhance road safety.
"This initiative reflects the government's vision—an infrastructure that places people at its centre," explained Minister Chris Bonett. He highlighted that, along with major projects like the Msida Creek development, this initiative is providing new open spaces for communities. The Minister further emphasized that these projects, some of which will be inaugurated in the coming weeks, are designed to encourage people to use alternative modes of transport, promoting both public health and more liveable urban centres.
"The concept behind Vjal Kulħadd successfully brings together government entities, local councils, and NGOs with a clear objective—to create community-focused spaces in a short period," Minister Bonett stated.
Also present at the launch was Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, who expressed her gratitude to all local councils for their active participation in the initiative. She also underlined the importance of such government-led schemes.
The CEO of Infrastructure Malta, Steve Ellul, explained that the agency aims to complete the projects by the end of 2026, transforming more than 100 square kilometres of alternative road networks. During a visual presentation of the projects, he noted, “This launch follows an overwhelmingly positive response to the initiative, with 40 applications submitted by various local councils and environmental NGOs. In addition to the 14 projects being implemented in the first phase, we are currently evaluating 10 additional projects for the second phase.”
Vjal Kulħadd is more than just a response to urbanization challenges—it is a strategic plan to create cities and villages that are environmentally conscious, inclusive, and people-centred.
The projects selected as are follows:
Attard: Increase pedestrian zones including around the village square and the reintroduction of citrus trees for the community’s wellbeing.
Naxxar: Renovate Triq John Ayde with a more pedestrian-friendly design with more indigenous trees.
Żebbuġ: Transformation of a zone in Ħal Mula to become a more sustainable space with a pedestrian zone giving priority to multi-purpose sports courts and ecological infrastructure.
Siġġiewi: Improvement of 3km of Triq Mons. Mikiel Azzopardi with cycle paths, pedestrian safety measures and green spaces.
Msida: Triq Oscar Zammit will become temporarily pedestrianised to promote community events and urban sustainable mobility.
Fgura: Reorganisation of Triq Hompesch into a slow street with wide passageways, indigenous trees, and rainwater management while also improve accessibility and aesthetics.
Rabat: The transformation of Saqqajja into a green public space with preserved biodiversity, rainwaiter management, and facilities to host community events.
Mosta: Regeneration of a garden and roads with pedestrian-friendly design with improved infrastructure for rainwater management and more green zones in Mosta’s core.
Mellieħa: Reconfirguration of Triq Selmun for better access for walking, green infrastructure, and rainwater gathering for sustainable plant watering.
Floriana: Increase of bike lanes and green corridors along Xatt iċ-Ċangatura to improve access for people walking, reduce noise polution, and create community space.
Safi: Re-design of Misraħ il-Knisja in order to give pedestrians priority, reduce traffic, and create a more secure and ecological square for social interaction.
Kirkop: Improve Triq il-Madonna tan-Niċċa with wider pavements, green zones, and a system for rainwater gathering in order to improve security and sustainability.
Tarxien: Transform Triq San Tumas by improving pedestrian and green infrastructure together with rainwater management and by adding relaxation areas.
Żurrieq: Re-develop Misraħ Santa Marija with new paving, shrubs, and a fountain in order to give priority to pedestrians in the town square.