The Malta Environment & Planning Authority has announced that it has signed an agreement with 15 local councils in Malta and Gozo and the Ministry responsible for the department of works to fully or partially fund twenty- one projects that will help improve the quality of life for residents living in these localities. The sum of over €860,000 is being made available to these Local Councils and central government through the Urban Improvement Fund (UIF) scheme which is managed by the Authority.
The urban improvement projects that are being funded include among others the creation and upgrading of playing fields in Marsascala, Attard, Xghajra and Nadur, the embellishment of a public garden in Paola, new energy-saving street lighting in Birkirkara and paving works around a number of streets and pjazzas in Ghajnsielem, Qrendi, and Mosta. Another three projects that will be carried out by the Department of Works include paving works around the parish churches of San Gwann, Santa Venera and Zabbar.
Dr de Marco stressed that the Mepa Reform had reached a critical stage in its implementation with the bill having passed through its second reading in Parliament. He stated that the local councils also played an important role in making Mepa more efficient and in improving its enforcement procedures. The local councils had a relevant consultative role to play in the preparation and update of local plans. They served as an important forum for the publication of applications for development and as consultees in the processing of such applications. In so far as enforcement was concerned, local councils are most often the first to know that abusive development was taking place and in this regard a stray line of co-operation with Mepa’s enforcement section was critical towards a more effective enforcement of planning and environmental regulations and permits.
Dr de Marco pointed out that to-date 7.4 million had been distributed by Mepa to local councils under the UIF scheme. He noted that most of the funds had been distributed towards the upgrading of residential roads, pavements, lighting and playgrounds which were an important aspect towards improving the quality of life of residents. He pointed out however that it was time to take the use of these funds towards a higher level in preserving, maintaining and restoring the historical core of our villages and town centres, with pedestrianisation and conservation projects. Such projects can in turn lead to regeneration of our historical cores. He made reference to various historical churches and buildings in town centres which were a dire need of restoration but for which to-date the appropriate funding had not always been found. He urged the local councils to use the remaining funds amounting to-date to some 2.4 million euro towards projects which address such issues.
Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Local Councils Dr. Chris Said said that, “Government wants to achieve the goal of having sustainable localities and this can be reached only if urban environment is improved.”
Dr Chris Said said, “that the Urban Improvement Fund is not the only commitment, on the part of the Government to improve urban environment. Apart from the increase in direct allocation to local councils, the Parliamentary Secretary mentioned a number of special financial schemes such as the Energy Saving Scheme, the Scheme for Improvement of Squares and Historic Centers and the Tree Planting Scheme.”
Dr Said also mentioned, “the financing of the pilot project Research on the Implementation of Sustainable Localities which are being carried out in three localities and the Risk Assessment of Public Gardens and Playing Fields, the tender for which will be awarded in the coming days.” The Parliamentary Secretary went on to say that “apart from these funds, Government is also providing specific funds for rural areas.”
Mr Austin Walker, MEPA Chairman said that “These projects not only promote but also improve the local environment and increase the potential of our towns and villages.” He added, “although there is always room for improvement, we are also very satisfied with the positive working relationship that the UIF committee has with all local councils and government agencies that submit projects for funding. We will continue to invest in this relationship with local councils and give them greater space to contribute towards the protection of our environment.”
The Urban Improvement Fund’s committee is working to ensure that local councils receive the necessary financial support to implement environmental-friendly projects that make a difference in our towns and villages.
Photo shows the belvedere at Fontana, Gozo