Aġenzija Sapport is carrying out extensive renovation and structural works at its premises in Għajnsielem, Gozo, amounting to an investment of €350,000.

The investment is aimed at improving and expanding the spaces from which services are offered to persons with disabilities and their families, the government said in a statement.

Minister for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector Julia Farrugia visited the ongoing works, accompanied by Aġenzija Sapport CEO Oliver Scicluna.

Currently, the premises offer day services and serve as a hub for applications for various disability-related schemes and services in Gozo.

The statement said that the ongoing expansion will introduce new services to provide additional support to individuals and their families. Additionally, a dedicated space will be created for the NGO Voice for Inclusion, allowing it to operate more effectively and provide improved services.

Executive Chairperson of Voice for Inclusion Pauliana Said spoke of the significance of this project for Gozo, and said that it will greatly enhance services for those working closely with persons with disabilities.

"This is an important project for Gozo, as it not only strengthens the services available to persons with disabilities but also ensures that Gozitans have the same level of accessibility to services currently found in Malta," she said.

Said said that inclusion and equality are essential, and having a dedicated space for Voice for Inclusion will enable it to work more closely with the community, support persons with disabilities, and continue amplifying their voices at all levels of society.

Among the key projects being implemented is the creation of independent living facilities (community hub), where Aġenzija Sapport's My Programme service will offer individual interventions for persons with disabilities.

The concept is similar to those already operating in Żurrieq and Rabat in Malta.

Services in Gozo will also be further strengthened, including those related to the Blue Badge, the European Disability Card, the Empowerment Scheme, and other vehicle-related schemes, government said.

Minister Farrugia spoke of the importance of this investment to continuing to strengthen inclusion and support for persons with disabilities and their families.  "The government is determined to invest as needed to strengthen the disability sector and ensure that every person with a disability has the support, opportunities, and services they deserve," Farrugia said.

She said that this investment in Gozo is just one of many projects' government is implementing to improve the quality of life for these individuals and their families.

While part of the works, such as plastering, ceiling painting, and structural alterations, have already been completed, the process of evaluating various tenders is currently underway, government added.

The statement said that the most imminent tender is for electrical works aimed at upgrading the building's electrical infrastructure, including the installation of a direct cable from the Enemalta substation, with an estimated expenditure of €75,000.

Aġenzija Sapport CEO Oliver Scicluna explained that after years of operation by the agency from this site, the Għajnsielem Learning Hub is now recognized by Gozitans as the agency's central office in Gozo. 

He said that further developing this site is a valuable opportunity to consolidate disability services in Gozo while making it easier to replicate the services provided by the agency in Malta.

Additionally, the initiative will strengthen and centralize work in the sector through collaborations with non-governmental entities that serve the same community, he said.

The statement said that this project marks an important step in providing modern, efficient, and accessible services for persons with disabilities in Gozo while further enhancing Aġenzija Sapport's work on the island.