Social Policy Minister John Dalli was visibly annoyed at the launch of a new housing scheme yesterday and called for a reform of social housing that would be more sustainable and ethical.
He was speaking at a news conference held at the Pembroke housing estate, which boasts spacious apartments with spectacular sea views. As he arrived on site, Mr Dalli seemed astonished, and toured the area with Paul Debattista, CEO of the Housing Authority.
"Social housing should not mean building luxury apartments and giving them away for free. We must provide decent affordable housing but we should encourage people to do better for themselves. This should not be the ultimate step for them," he said in comments to the media.
When asked whether he was specifically referring to the apartments around him, he said: "Let's be honest, this is not social housing."
This is not the first time Mr Dalli openly criticised the work of the previous Administration since taking over as Social Policy Minister last March. Shortly after the election, in fact, he found himself in conflict with former Health Minister Louis Deguara when he described the hospital's waiting lists as "scandalous".
Dr Deguara, who said he felt hurt by the comments, described Mr Dalli's comment as simplistic and reflecting a poor knowledge of the real reasons behind the problem.
Mr Dalli called for a more balanced approach yesterday and said the government should invest in affordable rental schemes that would be more sustainable. These should be revised every few years because not everyone who needs social housing now will still need it in five years' time, he added.
Through the scheme launched yesterday, the government provides a 20 per cent discount on 152 newly-built apartments in 15 localities around Malta and Gozo. The estimated value of these properties is €16, 256, 700, so the government will be subsidising €3,251,240 and raking in the difference.
Through the scheme, a three-bedroomed apartment will cost about €91,000 and for a two-bedroomed place one can expect to pay about €77,000. One-bedroomed apartments are also available at about €55,218.
Housing Authority chairman Charles Borg said the aim of the authority was to help young couples and families with children find affordable and decent housing. The first 10 per cent will be given to families with disabilities, both physical and mental.
The apartments are equipped with eco-friendly measures such as insulation, double glazing and space for solar water heaters to be installed.
Applications for the scheme will be available from December 1 and can be picked up from the Housing Authority in Floriana. The housing is available in Birkirkara, Kirkop, Marsaxlokk, Mellieha, Mgarr, Mriehel, Mtarfa, Naxxar, Pembroke, Qawra, Tarxien, Zebbug, Zejtun, Zurrieq and Xewkija.
www.housingauthority.com.mt