Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1528842
9 BUDGET2025 OPINION maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 NOVEMBER 2024 Working towards a quality country: A vision for open spaces and community well-being MY vision for our nation is rooted in a commitment to building a "quality coun- try"—one where economic progress and quality of life go hand in hand. A country that prioritizes the well-being of its peo- ple and creates spaces where communi- ties can grow, families can connect, and citizens can enjoy the beauty and resourc- es of their homeland. In Malta, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to take bold steps toward this goal, especial- ly by investing in our urban open spaces. Urban open spaces are more than patches of greenery or playgrounds for children are the gathering spots for our neighborhoods, and the lifeblood of our community. These spaces allow us to disconnect from the hassle of daily life, offering moments of tranquility and joy. Stud- ies have shown that access to green and open spaces improves mental health, encourages physical activity, and strengthens social bonds. For these reasons, our country needs to prioritize creating open spaces that genuinely serve the community. Currently, through the commitment of the Public Works Department, we are driving forward 15 key projects fo- cused on developing open spaces. With a direct investment of €22 million, these projects aim to add 35,000 square me- ters of new community spaces by the end of next year. Each project is designed with the needs of the surrounding community in mind, ensuring that these areas are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, accessible, and sustainable. This investment is a testament to our government's dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all Maltese citi- zens. These projects are unfolding across various localities, bringing renewed life to spaces that might have otherwise gone overlooked. In Siġġiewi, an expansive area is being transformed to provide families with a peaceful setting where they can spend quality time together. In Ħaż-Żebbuġ, a new garden is being developed, and in Ħal Kirkop, the Rous- sett Garden is being reimagined to bet- ter serve the needs of residents. And it doesn't stop there; additional projects in Mtarfa, Birżebbuġa, and Ta' Qali are set to become cornerstones of our national commitment to green, ac- cessible, and vibrant public spaces. But creating a quality country requires more than investments and new infra- structure—it demands a vision that unites us all. The success of these projects, and our ability to create a true quality country, depends on each one of us. Our role, as politicians, civil servants, and citizens, is to work together with a shared sense of purpose. These spaces are not just for today's enjoyment; they are an invest- ment in our future, laying the ground- work for generations to come to benefit from a healthier, more connected soci- ety. We have a unique opportunity to bring fresh ideas and energy into this effort. Our country is counting on us to take it to the next level. A quality country isn't just about physical infrastructure; it's about creating an environment where everyone feels they have a stake in their community and a space to call their own. By focusing on quality of life, sustaina- bility, and community-centered growth, we are sending a message: that Malta is a country that values its people, invests in their well-being, and strives to offer each citizen the best possible environ- ment in which to thrive. In this journey, we are reminded that these open spaces, these investments, and these projects are not merely items on a budget list—they are building blocks of a better future. We owe it to our communities, our families, and ourselves to create a Malta we can be proud of—a quality country for all. By OMAR FARRUGIA, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Each project is designed with the needs of the surrounding community in mind, ensuring that these areas are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, accessible, and sustainable