Labour expects its councillors to place residents' priorities before partisan interests

Cleanliness, security, road maintenance, consultation, youth participation, education and services for the elderly will be the priorities of local councils with a Labour majority, Minister Owen Bonnici and parliamentary secretary Stefan Buontempo said.

The two Cabinet members responsible for local councils were addressing a political press conference in Hal Safi. 

Urging residents to vote for Labour candidates in next Saturday's elections, Bonnici said councils with a Labour majority can make a positive difference in the lives of residents.

"We expect Labour councillors to work with the same energy the central government is," Bonnici said.

Listing the priorities of councillors with a PL majority, the minister said councillors should place cleanliness and waste collection at the top of their agenda, devising times and schedules according to the needs of their localities.

Councils, he said, should promote better security and facilitate residents' safety by promoting neighborhood watch measures. Urging councils to start implementing alternative transport methods, Bonnici said councils should collaborate with the central government on road maintenance works.

Bonnici said PL-led councils would consult more with their residents, listening to the needs of the community. He also encouraged councils to increase exchange programmes for youths, allowing youths to take centre stage in the councils' work. Improving public libraries, life-long learning services and services provided to the elderly were also a priority.

Buontempo urged councillors to be loyal to their residents, putting their interests first above those of the political party they represent.

"We expect PL councillors to work with the same energy and determination the government is. Be innovative for the good of your community and make use of the available tools. Always be on the side of residents ... Be their voice even if it means protesting against a government's project," he said.