Government contractors have started site clearance ahead of the building of 73 apartments for affordable accommodation.

The apartments, in six blocks, will be built at ‘Tas-Sisla’ in Birkirkara, between Triq il-Qanpiena and Triq Mons Ġużeppi Camilleri.

The project includes 56 parking spaces and 400 square metres of open space, the government said.

Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes, who is responsible for housing, visited the site on Wednesday morning.

He said 17 of the apartments, including their bathrooms, will be wheelchair accessible. 

The government explained that in 2004, the former administration had planned to build 46 apartments, five penthouses, seven shops and 57 garages. In 2015 the present government removed plans for the shops and penthouses to allow more space for apartments. Permits were issued in September.   

The project is one of 16 which will see the building of a total of 680 apartments. 

An impression of one of the apartment blocks.