The government has transferred four sites to the local councils of Qala, Munxar, Kercem and Victoria, in line with its policy of decentralising local administration to serve residents better.

Since 1999, when the policy was decided on, 82 sites have been devolved to local councils.

The property devolved yesterday in Victoria lies in Triq Kercem, and was requested so that the site would be developed partly as a small store for the council, the rest to be added to the existing garden.

In Kercem the site lies in Triq Wenzu Mintoff, and the council aims to develop it into a civic centre which will include the council’s premises, a library, clinic and the police station. In Munxar the devolution is of a kiosk to be used as an information office for tourists and IT booth.

In Qala, land was devolved to be developed into a sports complex, which will include a tennis court, basketball field and football pitch. It includes the existing football ground.