The government, through SportMalta, has transferred a boathouse in St Julian's Bay to the Għaqda Sajjieda Dilettanti Sliema under a 45-year temporary emphyteusis agreement aimed at strengthening local sports and community associations.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Education and Sports Minister Clifton Grima. Thanks to a 95% government subsidy on land acquisition costs, the association will pay an annual rent of €489 instead of the market value of nearly €9,800.

The rent will be paid into SportMalta's Sports Fund, which is used to reinvest in local sporting initiatives and facilities.

Grima said the agreement forms part of a wider government policy to provide sports clubs and associations with greater stability and support.

He noted that several organisations have benefited from similar land transfers in recent years and said the government intends to continue implementing measures aimed at helping clubs expand their operations and improve facilities.

The agreement now places the association in a position to administer the site directly and invest further in the premises.