The government on Thursday announced a €6.7 million investment in maintenance and embellishment works on social housing buildings across 13 localities in Malta and Gozo, with around 720 families set to benefit.

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue and Accommodation Andy Ellul unveiled this year's regeneration plan for social housing blocks during a press conference in Hal Tmiem, Zejtun, saying the project will cover more than 100 social housing buildings.

Ellul said the initiative, spread across Malta and Gozo, will involve a total investment of nearly €7 million and is aimed at improving living conditions for hundreds of residents in social housing communities.

The largest project under the scheme will take place in Zejtun, where works will be carried out on 16 buildings. Nearly 100 families are expected to benefit from the project, which carries an investment of €882,000.

In Ghaxaq, regeneration works will be undertaken on six residential buildings, benefiting 54 families through an investment of more than €600,000.

Ellul also announced that works will be carried out in Santa Lucija, where nearly 60 families will benefit, in Gzira, where 55 families are set to benefit, in Kalkara, with 18 families, and in Rabat, Gozo, where 128 families are expected to gain from the project.

Maintenance and embellishment works are also planned for social housing buildings in Attard and Luqa. In addition, works are currently under way on 42 buildings in Marsa, Paola, Marsascala, Ta' Xbiex and Mosta.

Speaking during the press conference, Ellul said that while the government remains committed to increasing the stock of social housing, it is equally important to continue investing in maintenance projects so that existing problems are addressed without delay.

He said dignity is not only about having a roof over one's head, but also about living in a decent environment that improves residents' quality of life.

Ellul said the government is showing that social housing remains central to its vision of social justice, community wellbeing and quality of life, adding that every resident and every community deserves to be treated with importance.

He said the government will continue to regenerate and invest in similar communities in the months and years ahead.

The planned works will include the restoration of facades, upgrades to building entrances, improvements to general infrastructure where needed, and the refurbishment of common areas.

The project forms part of a wider series of government initiatives aimed at improving people's quality of life and investing in local communities.