Embellishment works begin on housing estates

Social solidarity minister Michael Farrugia, this afternoon announced that renovation and embellishment works on three housing estates around Malta will begin soon.

The government estates include three blocks in St Paul's Bay which house 26 apartments, four blocks in the Kordin housing estate known as 'Ras Hanzir' which house 24 apartments, and three blocks in the Dockyard Terrace of Senglea which house 33 apartments. The total cost of the works are expected to reach €750,000.

While insisting that no residents will be required to relocate - not even on a temporary basis - Farrugia said that the works includedimprovements in the common areas of these blocks, as well as the landscaping around them.

"These projects are sure to have a positive effect on their respective communities," Farrugia said. "This government is committed in making localities more beautiful both for the residents and for the many tourists that visit them."

With regard to new applicantions for government housing, the minister said that government was intent on making use of existent vacant buildings. "As soon as these are exhausted, we will turn to other alternatives."

He added that government was also looking into how to make such buildings more energy-friendly.