Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1513668
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 DECEMBER 2023 THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION It has been another eventful year for the Local Government sector. Aimed primarily at helping Local and Regional Councils to provide better and more efficient services to their communities through initiatives, schemes, grants and innovation which featured highly during 2023. An ongoing exercise carried out in full collaboration with Mayors, Council- lors and Executive Secretaries who, on a daily basis, are in direct contact with their various residents. The Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government was at the heart of things with its unstinting support and collabo- ration that have borne fruit in different aspects of the sector. From the social, cultural and environmental facets to financial assistance and the training of employees who offer the first welcome to residents in their locality. THE SOCIAL SECTOR The social sector was given more visibility and viability thanks to numerous concrete projects and initiatives which were either launched or completed throughout this fast-fading year. These included community initiatives to help serve persons with a dementia condition, more day centres, including the new Cottonera facilities, the introduction of physical exercises at the heart of commu- nities, and a public gym at Naxxar. In the same sector, there were also the free educational centre at Xgħajra, and the setting up of School Grannies teams at Xewkija in Gozo, Kalkara and other localities, civic-minded grannies who dedicate some of their free time to warmly ensure the security of children going into and coming out of schools. Such initiatives were part of the "Inwet- tqu Flimkien" ("Together We Implement") programme. The traffic issue is, today, a reality within most towns and villages in the Maltese Islands. It is precisely why the Parlia- mentary Secretariat launched a series of consultations aimed at coming up with decisions meant not only to make public transport more efficient and used by local communities, but also to imple- ment plans and measures of mitigation through the creation of more open spac- es and clean air all over Malta and Gozo. Senior citizens form an integral part of the social network within their towns and villages. They represent both the past and the present. Senior citizens help embroi- der the culture, history and traditions of their localities as they gradually pass on their batons from one generation to another as part of the lifecycle. This thinking was behind the Parliamentary Secretariat's concentrated attention to the concept of active ageing through initiatives, schemes and financial support, a process that gained momentum in May. Senior citizens and persons with disabil- ities were provided with an opportunity to attend free IT lessons at their Local Council offices. The younger generation was rightly addressed during an ECAD (European Cities Against Drugs) con- ference on "The Prevention of Drugs". ECAD has, as members, 250 cities from 20 different countries, including Malta. THE ENVIRONMENT The environment is no longer an issue subject only to empty words. A much better awareness has been bred among our communities and their families of the need for a better quality of life. Local and Regional Councils have been encouraged to present ideas and implement envi- ronmental projects through more open and recreation centres, greener zones, embellishment of existing ones, and pedestrianised streets. Such projects, from open and recreation spaces to pedestrian zones, have been implmented in several localities, among them Għajnsielem in Gozo, Ħamrun, Senglea, Rabat in Malta, and Vittoriosa. The Community Greening Grant Scheme last February was a perfect example. It attracted the interest of many stakeholders convinced of the need to have greener and more environmental towns and villages. World Clean Up Day in September was marked by major clean-up activities within various com- munties. The strong belief is that such activities would impact positively on residents everywhere. CULTURE AND TRADITION The preservation of village and town traditions is inviolable. The annual 8th September Regatta is one sporting and traditional event still very popular among many Maltese, particularly those living in the Grand Harbour area. It portrays the traditional Maltese dgħajsa which, hap- pily, has been reemerging as a popular mode of water transport as a result of the regeneration and the upbeat in tourism and economic activity of recent years within the region. The preservation of the traditional Mal- tese dgħajsa is an obvious prerequisite. The maintenance and building of new dgħajsas by the few master craftsmen that remain will help avoid the silent death for long predicted for this elegant passenger boat in our ports. Other initiatives included support to the Cospicua Short Play Festival, a happy success to both organisers and partici- pants, and restoration and preservation works in different places across Malta and Gozo. Restoration and cleansing projects were carried out on "L-Għajn tal-Ħasse- lin" in Msida, Santa Liena Gate and the Santa Margerita bastions in Bormla, the mediaeval fortifications and the Greek Gate of Mdina, Villa Frere in Pietà, the Lunzjata chapel in Siġġiewi, and, with LESA backing, the restoration of artistic artefacts in Ħal Safi. REAL SUPPORT Restricted space forbids mention of many other precious initiatives and projects, but without such direct funding, much less could have been achieved. €2.6 million were invested in January to help Local Councils with their capital and tangible projects within their communi- ties. Support and financial sustenance were provided for the holding of various attrac- tions popular with both the Maltese and tourists. These included the Citrus Festival in Ħal Lija, Rnella Evening at Kalkara, Birgufest, and the Chocolate Festival at Ħamrun. The National Strategy for Local Govern- ment 2023-2030 was launched in May, projecting broadly the Government's vision of an active and efficient Local Government. It was followed up by the Budget for 2024 "Malta Ġusta" ("A Just Malta") which spotlighted the financing of more projects at the heart of Maltese and Gozitan localities. Only a few days ago saw the realisation of many under-18 men and women's ambition when an amendment to the law was approved in Parliament for them to be able to assume the roles of Mayor and Deputy Mayor once they receive the biggest number of votes. This was a major vote of trust in our youth who, with Councillors of all ages, will be able to work and strive for the benefit of their communities. An active and efficient Local Government Another eventful year