The government has announced a €12.8 million investment to fund infrastructure projects in communities across Malta over the next two years through a new agreement between the Public Works Department and all local councils, the Ministry for Local Government and Public Works said in a statement.
The funding represents an increase from the previous €10 million allocation and is intended to support projects identified by local councils, including maintenance works, accessibility improvements, upgrades to public spaces and other initiatives aimed at improving residents' quality of life.
The announcement was made during a press conference addressed by Minister for Local Government and Public Works Alison Zerafa Civelli, Permanent Secretary Emil Vassallo and Community Projects Division Director General Perit Nadia Gatt. Mayors and executive secretaries from local councils across Malta also attended.
Speaking at the event, Zerafa Civelli said the increased investment reflects the government's commitment to supporting local councils by providing them with the resources needed to deliver projects that respond to the needs of their communities.
She said the €12.8 million allocation would give councils greater capacity to implement projects that directly benefit residents, adding that the increase fulfils one of the government's electoral manifesto pledges within its first 100 days in office.
Vassallo said local councils should retain the autonomy to decide which projects are prioritised, arguing that they are best placed to understand the needs of their residents.
Gatt said the agreement would strengthen cooperation between the Public Works Department and local councils, enabling projects to be identified and implemented more efficiently. She added that the increased allocation would allow more projects to be carried out to improve public spaces and local infrastructure.
According to the ministry, 123 infrastructure projects were completed across Malta under the previous two-year agreement between the Public Works Department and local councils.
The new agreement will include clearly defined budgets, timelines and responsibilities for each project, with the government saying this will create a more structured and efficient process while ensuring investment is distributed according to the needs of individual localities.
The funding will also continue to support initiatives aimed at improving pavements across the country, with a particular focus on enhancing accessibility and mobility within local communities.