Councils get cash injection through special fund

Over €860,000 are being made available to 15 local councils through the planning authority's Urban Improvement Fund.

The money will be used to improve the quality of life for residents living in the localities through 21 embellishment projects. They include new or upgraded playing fields in Marsascala, Attard, Xgħajra and Nadur, the embellishment of a public garden in Paola, new energy-saving street lighting in Birkirkara and paving works in a number of streets and squares in Ghajnsielem, Qrendi and Mosta.

Another three projects that will be carried out by the Department of Works include paving works near the parish churches of San Ġwann, Santa Venera and Żabbar.

The Parliamentary Secretary responsible for the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, Mario de Marco, said that €7.4 million had been distributed by Mepa to local councils under the UIF scheme to date.

Most of the funds distributed went towards the upgrading of residential roads, pavements, lighting and playgrounds, which were an important aspect in improving the quality of life of residents.

He said it was time to take the use of such funds to a higher level in preserving, maintaining and restoring the historical core of villages and town centres with pedestrianisation and conservation projects.

Mepa chairman Austin Walker noted that the projects in question not only promoted but also improved the local environment and increased the potential of towns and villages.