Mepa commits €860,000 to 21 urban projects

The Malta Environment & Planning Authority has signed an agreement with 15 local councils and the Ministry responsible for the department of works to fully or partially fund 21 projects that will help improve the quality of life for residents living in these localities.

More than €860,000 are being made available to these 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 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.

Parliamentary Secretary Mario 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 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, councils were 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 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 could lead to regeneration of historic cores. He made reference to various historical churches and buildings in town centres which were a dire need of restoration but for which the appropriate funding had not always been found. He urged councils to use the remaining funds amounting to some €2.4 million towards projects which addressed such issues.

Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said said the government wanted to achieve the goal of having sustainable localities and this could be reached only if the urban environment was improved.

Dr Said said that the UIF was not the only commitment, on the part of the government, to improve urban environment. There was also the increase in direct allocation to councils and 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 pilot project Research on the Implementation of Sustainable Localities, being carried out in three localities and the Risk Assessment of Public Gardens and Playing Fields, the tender for which was to be awarded in the coming days. The government was also providing specific funds for rural areas.

Mepa chairman Austin Walker said these projects not only promoted but also improved the local environment and increased the potential of towns and villages.”