Minister for Gozo Anton Refalo, has visited the site of St Joseph Home in Ghajnsielem, which was partly demolished to accommodate the construction of a new old people's home.

The demolition and excavation of St Joseph Home have recently been completed following the awarding of the tender for the construction of the Home.

The Ministry for Gozo said that the contractor has mobilised on site and construction works are currently underway. The first stage involved the construction of a water reservoir and extensive foundation works.

Presently the masonry works at basement level are nearing completion and the basement is being roofed over. Construction work at ground floor level will commence in the coming weeks and works are proceeding as per the planned schedule, the Ministry said.

The residence will be over four floors; a parking area, restaurant and other ancillary facilities will be located at basement level. Administrative offices and other supporting areas will be located at ground floor level. The residential units are divided on four floors. The property will be fully accessible for persons with mobility problems.

Following intensive work by the architect from the Ministry for Gozo, plans for the retirement home consist of 70 rooms, with two beds in each room, enabling the Home to accommodate up to 140 elderly persons.

The rooms will overlook ix-Xatt l-Ahmar, or a private garden located at the back of the property. The Home will be the first dedicated public elderly home of its kind in Gozo.

"This project will create a space where the elderly, including married couples, can live together in harmony and in a safe place. This project will create new opportunities of work in Gozo for Gozitans," Minister Refalo said. The site location and historical setting of the home itself make it a unique facility for Malta and Gozo.

Photographs MGOZ/George Xerri

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