Through the support of LESA, the Żejtun Local Council has purchased two electric vans – one of which shall be used by the council’s employees and the other shall serve the needs of locality’s residents.

The two vehicles were majorly financed by the Local Enforcement System Agency (LESA). The agency issued 80% of the total expenditure, a figure of €87,000, while the rest of the funds were issued by the Żejtun Local Council.

This financing falls according to an agreement that was signed three years ago in order to support projects put forward by local councils. Through this agreement, LESA finances a specialised fund towards their causes. In the last three years, LESA has forked out €3.3 million for local councils to use in projects for their communities.

During the dedicated ceremony for this financing initiative, Minister of the Interior Byron Camilleri said that this money is given back to communities by LESA via their local councils after expenses are cut. He referred to how this money comes from summonses.

“LESA is investing in communities in areas that positively affect people’s lives”, Minister Camilleri said, “Our commitment remains that we continue with this type of investment for our communities.”

Over the next three years, local councils will be asked to submit projects to improve the security within their localities; for alternative and clean transport; for modern infrastructure; for the protection of the historical heritage and initiatives for a better environment. As announced through the 2024 Budget, LESA will also invest in CCTV cameras that will be used as deterrents against criminal behaviour and against committed abuses within communities.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, said that “Through projects or initiatives like these, we are really facilitating the lives of residents, especially the elderly. Simultaneously, Local Councils are continuing to perform their principal functions – those that promote stronger communities.” She also reiterated how LESA uses the proceeds from contraventions and reinvests them back into local communities through “important projects” that help spur them on.