8 local councils to benefit from over €300,000, including 2 from Gozo

by Gozo News · June 20, 2014

8 local councils to benefit from over €300,000, including 2 from Gozo Eight local councils will be benefiting from over €300,000 by the MEPA after their projects met the necessary criteria to receive funding through Urban Development Fund (UIF). The 9 projects, which are being fully funded by the Authority, are specifically targeted at improving the quality of life for residents living in these localities.

The Gozitan local council of Zebbug has acquired funds to embellish the Marsalforn promenade with new wrought iron railings and a new lighting system for the west area of Triq Santa Marija and Triq il-Qbajjar.

The local councils of Kercem in Gozo, Mqabba and Mosta will all be carrying out separate projects related to the upgrading and improved safety of playing fields within their respective localities.

The locality of Marsa will benefit from two projects which include new paving and street furniture in St. Vincent Square and embellishment works for the area around the Parish Church.

In Triq in-Nahal in Naxxar, the project includes the installation of new lighting, the development of an underground water cistern, soft landscaping and paving works, a timber gazebo and stone benches.

In Senglea, the local council will be carrying out a project to replace and install new street energy saving lighting in Triq il-Migja tal-Papa while in Nadur the local council plans on replacing and install new upgraded litter bins in a number of its Pjazzas.

To address the environmental and safety impact that certain vacant sites create in urban areas, the Authority also now made it possible for local councils to use the Urban Improvement Fund to clean up and wall off these sites.

On numerous occasions some vacant sites in urban areas, are being earmarked by unscrupulous individuals, as possible locations for dumping of domestic waste and other more bulky items.

The net result is that the surrounding urban environment is left shabby. These conditions also give rise to a health and safety hazard for citizens.

Launched in 2006, the Authority said that it has so far successfully invested nearly €9 million in over 262 projects. “The Urban Improvement Fund brings with it opportunities for local councils to propose and implement projects that are sustainable and create better places for their residents to live in.”