The work of the Grand Harbor Regeneration Corporation (GHRC) within the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects is well underway as three projects in favour of improving the life of Valletta residents were announced by Minister Ian Borg and Parliamentary Secretariat Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi during a visit to Valletta. This trilogy of projects will include the replacement of the bridges in Triq il-Funtana, the restoration of the ‘Parapett tal-Blata’ and the restoration of Block No. 4 around Mattia Preti Square, with an investment financed by European Funds.
Minister Ian Borg said, “This is a social government, who listens and implements. We want to see that every corner of our country is given the appropriate infrastructure and above all make sure that the standard of living and the quality of life of the people is one of the highest level. This project can be said to be divided into three but it is a holistic one and it will reach its goal for a better quality of life to the people but it will go further because it will be embellishing part of one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe, Valletta and I am proud and committed to say that these types of projects will not be the last in order to ensure that our capital city truly becomes one that defines us as Maltese.”
Minister Ian Borg went on to thank the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC) for their work and also recalled works currently underway by the same corporation including the works in the Mall Garden.
Parliamentary Secretary Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi explained that this project focuses on the needs of the people, whereby there is regeneration for the purpose of social housing and the surrounding areas with an investment of €3 million from European funds. He stated that these works are part of the regeneration project in the south of Valletta which is being carried out with an investment of €24 million in European funds.
He concluded by saying that “The regeneration of the Marsamxett area is enhancing this area, regeneration carried out by prioritising the people at its core. This regeneration is a holistic one in which incorporates various aspects including social, economic, whilst ensuring this is made for everyone to enjoy.”
For the project to replace the bridges in Triq il-Funtana, the GHRC restored the bastions first before the restoration of the bridges began. In total, five bridges ranging from seven to nine metres will be replaced and will be given more accessibility and safety to reduce any danger.
Regarding the restoration of the “Parapett tal-Blata”, which is a tourist attraction, decorative lighting work, structural reinforcement work as well as underground service systems have already been carried out. The facades will now be restored. The project will directly affect the residents of 25 apartments and 19 garages. Around 32 Maltese balconies and a number of other openings will be replaced or refurbished.
The restoration work of Block No. 4 around Mattia Preti Square started in January. This includes stone restoration, cleaning, wire re-plastering as well as removal of cables and other accumulations. Other works include the fitting of new openings of about 160 windows and 22 balconies. The eight common parts will also be improved.