Twenty-four families who live in the old St Paul’s Bay housing estates will have their homes upgraded as part of a government maintenance project targeting three localities.

The Housing Authority last year launched three projects through which 11 housing blocks will be refurbished. Works include maintenance of the facades and the common areas and will be carried out on old housing blocks in St Paul’s Bay, Paola and Senglea at a total cost of €655,000.

Social Solidarity Minister Michael Farrugia noted yesterday the government had issued a call for tenders last year but since all bids had been too high, it had to reissue the call.

Works have started on three blocks at St Paul’s Bay, where just under €200,000 will be invested to refurbish the facade and carry out internal maintenance.

Works on other blocks in the other localities would start in the next few weeks, Dr Farrugia said.