Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1497813
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 APRIL 2023 THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION The Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government is in the final stages before launching the National Strategic Vision for Local Government. Following a number of consultation meetings with various stake- holders of Local Government, this strategic vision will seek to establish guidelines for Local Government with the main aim to address the needs of localities and resi- dents respectively. To this day, Local Councils remain the first point of contact for residents. The strategic vision will seek to improve the work of Local Government so that our families ex- pectations are met and addressed more ef- ficiently. Positive relationships between lo- cal councils and their respective residents are imperative in creating dynamic syner- gies. Consequently, such synergies allow local and regional councils to be catalysts of change for the benefit of residents. As experts of their localities, Local Councils re- main a relevant function for residents. The expertise obtained by such positive synergy between local councils and their respective residents is also extended when in discussion with other stakeholders, that include other ministries and governmental entities. As a matter of fact, the Parliamen- tary Secretariat for Local Government is holding a number of meetings and consul- tation sessions, whereby feedback on be- half of the residents is communicated by local and regional councils. This feedback plays a pivotal role during the planning and execution of projects and initiatives in our localities. Recently, this Secretariat, together with the Association for Local Councils and the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects held a meeting to discuss public transport efficiency and traffic mit- igation. All parties involved emphasized that Local Councils are important stake- holders in implementing the government's vision, ensure communities are safe, acces- sible and provide the opportunity for sus- tainable alternative transport systems such as cycling. This would also contribute to a secure and cleaner environment. During this meeting, improvement of public trans- port was also discussed. Improving public transport would essentially change ways of how residents travel and to rely further on public transport rather than using their private vehicle. Local councils may contrib- ute by providing the necessary expertise to establish suitable infrastructure in our localities. Earlier this year, Agency LESA in collab- oration with the Parliamentary Secretari- at for Local Government, confirmed that €1 million obtained from contraventions were to be re-invested into our localities. Trough projects that would provide safer localities, development of new spaces, em- bellishment of historical places and invest- ment in alternative transport. In fact, this month, Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Minister for Home Affairs, Se- curity, Reforms and Equality together with Isla Local Council inaugurated a new pe- destrian street which was funded by LESA contraventions. Another function of the local council in- cludes that of preserving cultural traditions. After a hiatus of 3 years, due to the pan- demic, a cultural programme for the histor- ic day commemorating Saint Gregory was launched. One of the Government's visions is to enhance similar cultural traditions so that they keep passing from one genera- tion to the next. The collaboration between the Ministry for Cultural Heritage, Arts and Local Government and Zejtun Local Coun- cil, made it possible for both stakeholders to highlight important aspects of this tradi- tion, whilst acknowledging Maltese cultural heritage and how this benefits the quality of life of our residents. Additionally, similar initiatives will seek to bolster the local econ- omy and foster social cohesion. Hence, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Govern- ment remains committed to invest in local councils to remain a pivotal stakeholder in preserving Maltese heritage. Local councils also contribute towards initiatives that promote local produce. To- gether with the Ministry for Agriculture, Fishing and Animal Rights, the Parliamen- tary Secretariat for Local Government an- nounced the extension of the Farmer's Market concept in the locality of Birgu. Such markets enhance the promotion of sustainable agriculture whilst sustaining farmers to provide fresh local products to the communities. The success story of the Ta' Qali Farmer's Market and other socio-cultural events, such as 'Festa Ċitru' and 'Festa Frawli' are proof that such col- laborations should continue. The National Strategic Vision for Local Government will aim to build on these positive synergies between such diverse players. Working as one with Local Coun- cils allows for the improvisation of forth- coming initiatives and projects within our localities for the benefit of all residents. As such, the Government willr emain com- mitted towards providing the necessary resources to Local and Regional Councils, to be equipped with the right tools to ad- dress the needs of localities and their re- spective residents to the best of their abil- ity and in the most efficient, effective and sustainable ways. Collaborative efforts for the benefit of localities and residents Photo: DOI - Alan Saliba