The Planning Authority has agreed to fund a number of community projects in 8 localities to the value of over €475,000.
The projects include embellishment and restoration works, upgrading of playing fields and tree planting.
One of the larger projects receiving PA funding is the embellishment of an area in Pieta next to the old chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows. Works will include the upgrading of footpaths, improved road safety and traffic management.
The project also includes a replica of a drinking water fountain which had been installed in the area at the end of the 19th century. This drinking water fountain was one of a number of fountains which were placed in various centres and vantage points in Malta after the State had, in line with engineer Oswald Chadwick’s studies and suggestion, started to provide water pumps in streets and corners in towns and villages.
In the urban village core of Mosta, a street shrine of St Nicholas, which is situated in Triq Grognet corner with Triq San Ġwann will be restored. This statue together with other similar ones around Mosta lies within the Heritage Trail which will be created to lead tourists around the attractions of the village. The statue shows clear signs of deterioration.
Within the same locality, a number street lamps will be changed to ones that are more compatible with the character of the village core. These street lamps also have a low light pollution footprint, are low in glare and more efficient, resulting in a greener lighting scheme with less nuisance to neighbours, less maintenance requirements and more environmentally friendly.
In Nadur and Dingli, embellishment works will be carried out in five public gardens. Works will include the replacement of playing field equipment and safety flooring, installation of CCTV camera and upgrading of sanitary facilities.
Embellishment works including the paving design of a street and alley behind the Fontana parish church will also be partially funded.
The project is set to continue to enhance the character and historical setting of the streets around the Parish Church.
To introduce a degree of greenery in Sliema, an area dominated by dense urban development, the local council will be planting a number of indigenous tree species along Triq Sir Adrian Dingli. In Santa Lucija a number of litter bins will be replaced with new more hygienic ones.
The authority is also partially funding a bas relief sculpture which is to be installed within San Anton Gardens next to the Presidential Palace. This sculpture will honour Maltese grandparents.
Through its Development Planning Fund, the Planning Authority has agreed to fund over €5million in community urban projects since the beginning of this year alone.