PRESS RELEASE BY THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR PUBLIC WORKS OECD describes Public Works’ projects as a success and a model for others

Public Works projects in recent months have contributed to Malta's progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

During a conference marking the closure of the European Union's Technical Support Instrument programme, led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Public Works Department was praised for its efforts to address and work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In the conference, Tatyana Teplova, Head of Division at the OECD, described the Public Works Department's policy approach and its ongoing projects as a “success and a model for other entities and departments."

In his address, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia explained how every project led by the Public Works Department is driven by a commitment to “sustainable development, ensuring that our projects are practical and aligned with broader SDGs and long-term goals."

Parliamentary Secretary Farrugia highlighted several projects through which the Public Works Department has addressed key SDGs, “The Ta' Qali National Park project is not only the largest recreational and green space in the country but also a platform for Maltese artists to showcase their work and talents."

Farrugia also mentioned other environmental projects, including the installation of 376 new solar-powered infrastructures across 20 localities, maintenance work on several reservoirs to ensure rainwater is conserved and used by Maltese farmers, and the opening of Ġnien il-Kunsill in Birżebbuġa, an inclusive space designed to welcome children with disabilities.

The Parliamentary Secretary concluded by stating that the programme launched three years ago to embed the Green Transformation Policy into Public Works Department projects has firmly placed sustainability at the heart of the department's operations.