The first phase of the refurbishment to the Ruzar Briffa building at St Vincent de Paul has been completed, opening up between 60 and 104 beds.

Minister Michael Falzon said that this increase is the best present the Government can give the residents and reiterating the current administration's commitment to serving pensioners.

"We have invested €60,000 per person who resides in the new part of St Vincent de Paul," the minister said.

The full project is expected to cost €6 million.

Parliamentary Secretary Anthony Agius Decelis praised the team work between private companies and the St Vincent Engineering unit to creating state of the art facilities.