In the hearts of our towns and villages, Maltese families, the elderly, and children come together to form invaluable relationships, transforming every locality into a community deserving of a beautiful and safe environment.

This belief has guided the government's policy in recent years, focusing on the embellishment of pedestrian areas, the creation of new open and green spaces, and the maintenance of cleanliness within the core of every locality.

For the past year, the Public Works Department has listened to what the public and local councils had to say. Their message was clear - More embellished and safe urban spaces where, the local community could meet, interact, and spend quality time together with their loved ones.

This message did not fall on deaf ears. The Public Works Department has pulled up its socks and focused on creating new pedestrian zones as well as regenerate other zones that were left lifeless or not accessible for years.

In fact, throughout the past year, the Public Works Department has intensified its works in various localities, particularly in the core areas, and gave back to the people regenerated, vibrant and secure areas for the community to enjoy.

The Government's approach has been guided by the understanding that embellishing areas and safety go hand in hand. Parents feel comfortable letting their children play, the elderly find a welcoming space to rest and connect, and families rediscover the joy of gathering outdoors without worry.

Several projects completed in recent months stand as testament to this renewed vision. A vision that came to life in localities such as Mosta, Kirkop, Żabbar, Żebbuġ and Rabat, Malta.

In Mosta, besides from the newly regenerated Santa Margherita playing field, we have also holistically embellished Pjazza Torri and Triq il-Kurat Calleja, now forming part of the Mosta Square Masterplan. In Żebbuġ, the Public Works Department has undertaken several projects that have radically transformed the core of this locality, a place where elderly gather and share their stories. The newly regenerated Independence Garden, a new pedestrian zone in Triq Sciortino and the renovated area around the monumental Arch de Rohan are three staple projects that were completed and are being relished by the local community.

In Rabat, Malta, a rich and historic locality, the Public Works Department together with the local council has started works on several pedestrian zones and alleys that soon can be enjoyed by residents and all those who visit this picturesque locality.

Last week, during the Budget speech for the upcoming year read by Minister Clyde Caruana, the Government has committed itself by investing an additional €13.5 million for the creation of new urban spaces and pedestrian zones at the heart of our localities.

This pledge, besides from strengthening and confirming the Government's commitment towards every citizen, affirms its trust in the Public Works Department and increases the Department's responsibility in continuing its efforts to creating more welcoming and safe environments.

As we look ahead, the vision remains clear, to continue creating spaces that invite connection.

The Public Works Department is already planning further projects for 2026 and beyond, aimed at reimagining more village cores, upgrading play areas, and expanding pedestrian zones.

These works are not limited to urban centres but are reaching smaller hamlets and rural areas as well, such as the Baħrija Square, where in the forthcoming weeks a tender will be issued to carry out a total revamp of this square. Such projects ensure that no community is left behind.

Undoubtedly Malta's greatest resource is its people, the community that they create when brought together. That truth is visible in every family that gathers in a square on a Sunday afternoon, in every elderly couple who find comfort in a quiet bench beneath a tree, and in every child who plays safely in a well-designed park. Investing in the spaces where these moments happen is, ultimately, an investment in the people, the heart and soul of our nation.

The work is ongoing, and there is still much to be done. But the results so far, the cleaner streets, the greener parks, the safer pathways, and the livelier village squares, remind us that when we listen to our communities, when we plan with purpose and execute with care, we can build not only better towns and villages but stronger, more united communities.

In every newly regenerated corner, there is a story and as these stories multiply across our islands, they weave together a larger narrative, beyond the works carried out, that of a Malta that values its people, its beauty, and its shared spaces more than ever before.

Because we, as the Public Works Department, truly work for the public.

Omar Farrugia is Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works