The Minister for Lands and Implementation of the Electoral Program Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi and the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli presided over the signing of a devolution agreement between the Lands Authority and the Council Local of Zebbug. Thanks to this agreement, a Government building where the offices of the Local Council are currently incorporated as well as three adjacent warehouses, will formally pass into the hands of the Local Council of Żebbuġ.
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi explained how this agreement is another of a series of devolutions made this year to various Local Councils including those of Birżebbuġa, Naxxar and San Pawl il-Baħar. He went on to say that now even the Local Council of Žebbuġ will be benefiting from a new capping scheme on the annual land lease of only €500 per year. “From a financial point of view, the capping scheme that we announced at the beginning of this year is also being of great help so that the money that the Councils are saving from rents, is utilized in projects and services for the same locality,” repeated the Minister.
He praised the work that led to this devolution and went on to say how together with the Lands Authority they will continue to assist the Local Councils to invest in strengthening their operations for the good of the community. “Where there is public land that can be utilized by the Council for the benefit of the residents, we are welcoming the requests, we will discuss and see how this happens in the shortest time,” concluded Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi.
Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli said how such an agreement is recognizing more the role of Local Councils within our communities. She claimed that through this devolution between the Lands Authority and the Local Council of Zebbuġ, the Local Council will be able to make an extension of the existing building of the Local Council.
“Through the Local Councils we will continue to work so that our communities feel more involved in the daily life in their respective localities. But above all this transfer will serve so that the Local Council will truly be the Local Government at the heart of the community as on this land the Zebbugi people will now have larger Local Council offices and thus the service given to the same community can be improved,” concluded Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli.
The Mayor of Žebbuġ Mark Camilleri said that through this agreement, the Local Council will be able to develop a civic center which apart from hosting the administration of the Local Council, it is planned to also provide the -healthcare services, community police and day center. The building also contains a lounge and rooms that can be used by residents and local associations.
