Speaking yesterday during a ceremony in which the land was officially handed over, Dr Borg said the council’s plans to use the land to build civic centres would enable residents to find every local

institution in the same place.

Dr Borg said that the introduction of local councils has left a positive effect on localities by strengthening their local identity. They also help create a link between the people and the government and they deal with the residents’ day-to-day needs.

The government is constantly working toward seizing every opportunity the EU offers within local democracy to safeguard residents’ interests, the deputy prime minister continued. He noted that the Maltese eagerness to vote raises the councils’ credibility.

Dr Borg mentioned the EU Cost Action Programme that the local council department participated in. This programme aims to give information on the different forms of local government to promote economic competitiveness and gain a better understanding of the benefits of social cohesion.

Later this year the department plans to organise a series of seminars for local councils to discuss issues that concern them with regard to the EU and the programmes it offers, Dr Borg said.

He also mentioned that the government will be organising a course for officials in the sector to educate them on laws and processes so as to up the level of service provided by the local government department.