During a news conference, the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli and the Director General for the Local Government Division announced the financial schemes for local councils for this year. The main objective of these schemes is for the local councils to have the necessary finances in order to best address the needs of the localities and implement projects in the best interest of the Maltese and Gozitan residents.
Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli said that these financial schemes for the local councils are a clear demonstration of how much this Government has supported the councils so that they continue to combine their functions in the best and most efficient way. and effective, in favor of the needs of localities and residents.
“These schemes are all created with a lot of thought in order to ensure that we also continue to implement the measures mentioned in the National Strategic Vision of Local Government and as well as continue to carry out the electoral measures related to Local Government,” explained the Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli.
The funding schemes for local councils for this year include:
- Scheme for Cultural and Christmas Activities
- Financial Initiative for Cleaner Localities
- Funding for Stronger and Inclusive Communities
- Maintenance and Support Fund of Major Infrastructural Projects that have been carried out by the Government
- Community Gardens Development Works Service
Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli also mentioned how this year the financial scheme of the Cultural Region will be renewed for the year 2025, with funding of €250,000. She also explained that the jobs of the workers under the Community Inclusive Employment Scheme, which amounts to 37 jobs with the local councils, will be renewed with funding of around €350,000. While the engagement of 8 Animal Steward Officers will also be renewed at a cost of approximately €106,000.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Kevin Mahoney said that together with the Local Government Division committed to ensure that the funds are fairly distributed between the local councils, with the aim that all residents get the maximum benefit of these funds.
The Director General of the Local Government Division Emil Vassallo said that the schemes launched will translate into various environmental, educational, cultural projects and initiatives that improve the quality of life of the residents. “We look forward to the applications of the local councils so that we can continue to carry out together projects that will benefit the residents,” stressed Mr. Vassallo.
The Director for the Implementation of Strategy and Policy within the Local Government Division and several presidents of the regional councils, mayors and executive secretaries were also present at the news conference
