Silence envelops the government-built childcare centre in San Ġwann as dust gathers on the window panes and the plants outside have dried up.

Is-Sardinella was officially opened three days before the election as a childcare and family support centre but the building that cost taxpayers €300,000 has never received any children.

When it was opened amid fanfare on March 6 by then Education Minister Dolores Cristina, the centre was equipped with toys, books, floor mats, a kitchenette and other child-related equipment.

But it lacked the most fundamental of necessities: staff.

“The childcare centre was opened but there were no staff to start working there,” an Education Ministry spokesman said when asked why the newly built centre was not being used.

He said the recruitment process by the Foundation for Educational Services was ongoing and had reached “its final stages”.

The centre should be functional in five weeks, he added.

“In addition to the staff, there are minor works still to be carried out such as carpet laying, telephones and purchasing of roller blinds.”

The childcare centre along San Ġwann’s main road was built by the Foundation for Tomorrow’s Schools and took four months to finish.

It was intended to service the needs of residents and workers in the area, including the industrial zone next to Mater Dei Hospital.

Is-Sardinella had to be the 10th government-run childcare facility and as dust continues to gather, working parents in the area hope the doors will not remain shut for much longer.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com