Housing Minister Meets Tenants’ Associations To Discuss Estate Concerns

Housing Minister Pat Orfila has met with representatives from tenants’ associations across Gibraltar to discuss issues affecting local estates, including antisocial behaviour, vandalism, littering, fly-tipping and damage to communal facilities.

The meeting also covered CCTV, police response and communication when incidents are reported, with refurbishment works welcomed and new lifts for Glacis Estate and Mid Harbours expected soon.

A statement from the Government follows below:

The Minister for Housing, the Hon. Pat Orfila MP, yesterday met with representatives of Tenants' Associations from across Gibraltar to establish a multi-estate working group to develop a more unified and proactive approach to addressing common concerns and identifying practical and quicker solutions. 

The meeting provided an opportunity for representatives to meet with the Minister and her team to exchange views and discuss possible ways forward in addressing matters affecting their communities. 

Most were concerned with the persistent antisocial behaviour, vandalism, damage to lifts and communal facilities (parks), littering, fly-tipping and damage to residents' personal property. 

The introduction of CCTV was welcomed and hopefully this will tackle antisocial behaviour. Representatives also raised concerns regarding police response and enforcement, as well as the need for better communication and feedback when incidents are reported. 

The Minister listened to all suggestions and supported the importance of maintaining close communication with estate representatives. The discussion also highlighted the need for a coordinated approach between the Housing Department, the relevant authorities and other agencies to ensure that issues are addressed effectively. 

The Minister emphasised the valuable contribution made by Tenants' Associations and thanked them for the important role they play in representing residents and helping to improve their communities. She reiterated her commitment to maintaining an open dialogue with representatives and working collaboratively towards practical solutions. 

The meeting was described as very productive, with a shared understanding of the importance of continued engagement, transparency and cooperation. 

The Minister thanked all representatives and her team for their constructive contributions and confirmed her willingness to continue engaging with the associations on matters affecting Gibraltar's housing estates. 

Refurbishment to the estates was very welcomed as was the news that Glacis Estate and Mid Harbours would soon be supplied with brand new lifts.