On the initiative of the Hamrun local council, a secondary road next to Pjazza San Pawl was closed to traffic and turned into a pedestrian road with a recreational space. This space was inaugurated this morning by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Aaron Farrugia and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli in the presence of the local council.
This project was financed by Transport Malta through the ‘European Mobility Week’ scheme and by the Local Government Division through the scheme ‘Financing for the Development and Improvement of Playing Fields Conditions in Localities in Malta and Gozo’. The total investment for this project amounts to approximately €60,000.
“It is satisfying to see projects of this nature come to life especially in highly urbanized areas such as Hamrun. This project is a clear demonstration of what Government means when it promises and carries out projects centred around the concept of infrastructure for the people. I look forward to seeing this project being enjoyed and more projects of this nature being carried out in more areas around the country,” stated Minister Aaron Farrugia.
To change this road from a busy one to a pedestrian one, a new pavement and iron gates were installed around the recreational space to make it a safe space for the public. The playground contains different and inclusive equipment that can also be used by people with special needs.
“The local councils know best the needs of their localities and their respective residents, therefore I commend the initiative of the Hamrun Local Council to create a pedestrian area with a recreational space to be enjoyed by residents,” stated the parliamentary secretary. She added that the government is committed to continue issuing schemes of this kind since playing fields in localities are an important resource for recreation, which contributes to better quality of life.
Hamrun Mayor Christian Sammut explained that this project was one of a series of regeneration projects in various roads in Hamrun. “The main objective behind these projects is to attract more families to our centres,” stated Mr Sammut.
The Director for Strategy and Policy Implementation within the Local Government Division, representatives from Transport Malta and several members of the Hamrun Local Council were also present for this event.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister