Design & Build 06 | Page 34

Design the problem only concerns a minimal part of the population. And this kind of proper aid is therefore very sustaina- ble indeed The MDA is of the undivided opinion that far more hous- ing assistance must be given to protect the more vulnera- ble members of our society. The average rental rates in Malta are far below those of internationally ac- cepted ones so one might even sug- gest to investors who are bringing in foreign skilled workers, that noth- ing is stopping them from allotting a contained portion of their savings towards investing in the purchase of apartment blocks so as to accommo- date their own employees rather than leave their workers to look around for the right kind of accommoda- tion. This would easily cap the prob- lem of renting rates. This could also be an equitable solution for those foreign investing companies involved in the financial, betting and gaming sectors to just name a few. This should easily turn out as a wise investment for them, especially so in the long term; they could easily either buy a site and develop it themselves or join hands with other local develop- ers to coordinate such an investment for their own staff. CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME The denseness of our new popula- tion is fast making Malta one big city and it is not surprising that some developers are now turning their eyes to the South for future projects. Some of us look to the Government for more help and direction, and es- pecially so in the South. Yet, charity should begin at home, especially with the Local Councils who should start visualizing how they can best utilize their capabilities, their creativity and the funds given to them. It is easy to expect the proverbi- al “manna” to be dished out by the Government but in reality there is a lot that Councils can do before this official aid is received. A case in point is what the Birgu Local Coun- cil was able to off its own bat with the meagre funds that were available to them in the years gone by. Today they have created a gem of an old, historic city. The first initiatives have to come from the Local Councils and if more funding from the Central Govern- ment is needed then there are the right ways and means of eventually tackling that issue. But before one comes to that one needs to have first taken the initiative to have ac- tually sought to solve it themselves. WWW.DESIGNANDBUILD.COM.MT