The Opposition has called on the government to prioritise long-term planning and regular maintenance of social housing, arguing that residents deserve consistent upkeep rather than what it described as "publicity opportunities."

In a statement, Shadow Minister for Social Policy, the Family and Social Housing Ivan Bartolo said the Nationalist Party welcomed investment aimed at improving the quality of life of people living in social housing.

However, he argued that routine maintenance should not be presented as an extraordinary achievement.

The PN said families living in social housing should not have to wait years for essential repairs to façades, roofs, balconies and common areas, describing such works as the government's basic responsibility rather than luxury projects.

The Opposition also criticised Housing Minister Owen Bonnici's visits to maintenance projects, saying residents deserved "more than photos and statements" while essential works were carried out.

It argued that the government's priority should be efficient administration and long-term planning instead of publicity.

The statement also referred to reports by the National Audit Office, saying they continued to highlight shortcomings in governance and administrative controls in areas falling under the government's responsibility.

The PN said programmes for the regeneration and maintenance of social housing had existed for years and did not begin with the current announcements. It argued that residents expected continuous maintenance rather than having routine works presented as new initiatives.

The Opposition appealed to the government to publish a national preventive maintenance plan for all social housing properties. It said such a plan should include clear targets, transparent budgets and timelines that residents could monitor.

Bartolo said families living in social housing deserved regular maintenance, a safe environment and an administration that worked in their interests every day, "not only when there is a camera present."