Prime Minister Joseph Muscat on Monday launched the PL’s electoral manifestos for local councils which, he said, note that the priority for many Maltese and Gozitan families is the improvement of the quality of life; spending more time with family, quality of services provided by the Local Council and Government and quality of infrastructure.
“One of the main priorities of the manifesto is the environment, he said. “We will continue pushing forward proposals to improve our environment; we have already invested in the separation of organic waste and the promotion of electric cars. The Local Council acts as a voice of authority to improve the locality,” Muscat said.
The PM pointed out a number of the proposals that include investing in more facilities for animals, such as dog parks and cat cafés. The Labour Party wishes to implement the policy of planting a new tree per every person born. “Although it might be a bit difficult to find a place for so many trees, the Local Councils will be behind this new concept.”
On the topic of alternative transport, Muscat said that Local Councils will provide free clean transport for pensioners and that the local councils are working on investing in new technology for car parks which inform the public just how many parking spaces are available. This system is already provided in areas such as Hamrun. “We have respect towards the public and their safety and we will work harder to decrease the rate of criminality through projects of police monitoring and safe city security,” Muscat said.
A proposal in the Labour Party local council manifesto pushes for a competition between towns for the best town, and every year the Government will focus on the chosen town to promote numerous cultural activities and initiatives.
“I have to thank Minister Owen Bonnici for this idea, which many towns wil benefit greatly from.”
He expressed that there should be more open libraries in localities for people to freely borrow and read books, especially children.
Muscat also said that each Labour candidate will do their best to promote equality in their local council.