A once-unused concrete area in Ħaż-Żebbuġ previously, occupied by a public toilet, has now been transformed into a new, open pedestrian space, offering residents a greener and more welcoming environment.

The revitalisation project in Triq Sciortino was carried out by the Public Works Department in collaboration with the Ħaż-Żebbuġ Local Council. Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works, Omar Farrugia, and Mayor Steve Zammit Lupi visited the newly regenerated area, which now serves as a pleasant public square for the whole community.

As part of the upgrade, the old toilet block was removed and replaced with an underground reservoir capable of storing around 200,000 cubic metres of rainwater. This water will be used to irrigate new plants and keep the area clean.

Parliamentary Secretary Farrugia expressed his satisfaction with the project, highlighting its positive impact on residents’ quality of life. “We are committed to bringing life back into the centres of our towns and villages. This piazza is a perfect example of a space built by the people, for the people.” he said.

Mayor Zammit Lupi added that the Local Council looks forward to using the new square for community events throughout the year, thanking the Public Works Department for its support.

This regeneration forms part of the government’s wider commitment to sustainable urban development and improved public spaces across Malta.

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The Government has launched the fifth call of the Energy and Water Efficiency Scheme, which supports voluntary organisations in improving their energy and water usage.

Over the past three years, the scheme has helped more than 85 voluntary groups with a total funding of €1.8 million.

The announcement was made at a press conference by Minister for Energy Miriam Dalli and Minister for the Voluntary Sector Julia Farrugia.

Minister for the Voluntary Sector Julia Farrugia emphasised how the latest launch of the Energy and Water Efficiency Scheme aligns with the Government’s Malta Vision 2050 strategy unveiled earlier this year. She described the scheme as a clear example of the Government’s long-term, visionary policy approach rather than short-term fixes.

Through collaboration between different ministries and public bodies, the scheme provides practical tools to voluntary organisations, enabling them to make significant environmental improvements. Farrugia explained that the savings these organisations make on energy and water can then be reinvested into projects that benefit the wider community.

“All of this is part of our vision for Malta by 2050 a strong society built on solidarity, where every environmental investment improves the quality of life in our communities.” she said.

Farrugia added that the Government has full confidence in voluntary organisations as key drivers of positive change and pledged continued support with concrete assistance.

The scheme, managed by the Energy and Water Agency alongside the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector, helps voluntary organisations improve energy and water efficiency in their facilities. This not only benefits sustainability efforts but also reduces operational costs.

Eligible groups can receive grants of up to €27,000 to install or replace equipment that lowers emissions and boosts efficiency. To date, more than 120 projects have been supported, including sports and band clubs as well as social and musical organisations. Upgrades have included solar water heaters, LED lighting, improved air conditioning, kitchen appliances, and water reservoir restoration.

Due to its success, the scheme is now open to organisations that have previously benefited but wish to introduce further sustainable improvements.

Manuel Sapiano, CEO of the Energy and Water Agency, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to helping voluntary organisations reduce their energy and water consumption, lower costs, and support Malta’s environmental goals.

Applications open on 15 July 2025, with an online information session scheduled for 25 June to provide details and answer questions. Further information is available at Energy and Water Agency’s website.

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