[WATCH] Ruzar Briffa Complex project to focus on renovation and construction of two new wings

Ruzar Briffa Complex project to focus on renovation and construction of two new wings

Parliamentary secretary for the elderly Justyne Caruana has announced that the Ruzar Briffa Complex project would see the renovation and restructuring of the existing wings and the construction of two new wings.

During a press briefing to view the works being carried out, Caruana explained that the Ruzar Briffa Complex had presented one of the greatest challenges to the renovation of St. Vincent de Paul Residence given that it is the oldest and largest building in the residence.

“The building dates back to the British army and efforts were made to preserve the original forms, but the focus is on creating better conditions and the best form of treatment to patients in the building,” CEO Josianne Cutajar said, adding that the project also required extensive planning to provide temporary relocation for its 160 residents. 

Caruana explained that the building required extensive maintenance and that the project was divided in three independent phases to allow each section to be properly evacuated for the works to be carried out.

“The project is currently in its first phase, which started in December, Caruana said adding that it would entail dismantling to upgrade the infrastructure and the services offered. 

She added that the first phase, costing some €3.5million, was expected to be completed by the end of 2017, with the same works being carried out in the other existing wing after that as the second phase of the project, costing around €4 million.

“The third phase, is the most ambitious and it will see the construction of two new wings,” she said, adding that the costs had not been worked out yet, but that planning was in an advanced stage.

“The duration of the three phases will ultimately be determined from the development of the other projects but each phase is expected to take a year and a half factoring in the temporary relocation and orientation in new areas of the residents in question,” she said 

Caruana added that the project was part of the government's efforts to rebrand and reinvigorate the residence, with the project being deemed necessary for a number of years. 

“The project will ultimately see the number of beds rise from 160 to 250,as well as sanitary facilities for the employees,” she said, adding that the aim was to create sustainable and durable changes in the facility.