Thirteen local councils this morning received a total of €1.5 million in funding from Mepa for urban improvement projects.

The money, from the Urban Development Fund, will be used to embellish public gardens and for landscaping works in Birkirkara, Naxxar and Mellieha, the development of a recreational park in Zurrieq, a solar panels grid system in Qala and the upgrading of the Qui-si-sana promenade in Sliema.

Funds will also be used for paving works in streets and squares in Qormi, Garb, Msida, Rabat, Mosta and Zurrieq, and the upgrading of a football ground in Birzebbuga.

The Mepa Urban Development Fund has, since 2006, invested €7 million in over 180 projects scattered all over Malta and Gozo.

The funds are raised through levies imposed by Mepa.