The local councils of Dingli and San Lawrenz have presented strategic sustainability plans that address demographic, economic, social and environmental challenges, including concrete sustainable development proposals.

The plan for Dingli focuses on ways of reducing the locality’s dependence on traditional sources of energy, and investing more in renewable sources. It also includes an action plan with regard to the use of alternative sources of energy at the Dingli Civic Centre and throughout the rest of the locality.

The report investigates methods of improving rural community life in Dingli and the obligation to protect the sustainability of the locality’s cultural resources.

Because Dingli is estimated to host about 400,000 tourists every year, the report includes a series of recommendations with regard to the protection of cultural, historic and rural heritage, transport and traffic, as well as the use of technology.

The plan for San Lawrenz proposes ways for the community to generate enough economic activity without having a negative impact on the environment.

The report also identifies methods of bringing together the three areas of the Gozitan village – the coastal area and the village core, as well as the area between them.

The report proposes, among other things, the repair and maintenance of the locality’s infrastructure, including rubble walls, the introduction of a mini-bus service to link the village to Ghasri, Gharb and Victoria, the promotion of the use of bicycles, the setting up of a sustainable development centre, the promotion of the locality as a place of residence for young couples, the promotion of alternative sources of energy, and the restoration of important buildings and public spaces.

Apart from the Dingli and San Lawrenz reports, the government financed another report in 2009, and this year it is financing another eight strategic plans, including a particular one put forward by a consortium made up of seven local councils (Birkirkara, Santa Venera, Msida, Ta’ Xbiex, Lija, Balzan and Iklin), in collaboration with the Saint Theresa College.

The other seven strategic plans were put forward on an individual basis by the local councils of Zejtun, Ghajnsielem, Gharb, Kalkara, Kirkop, Mellieha and Rabat.