Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera announced an investment of €750,000 to implement a Digital Strategy for the local governments.

This comes after it was said that there are shortcomings in the technology field within the local and regional councils.

Minister Herrera said that this investment will be able to aid citizens as well as employees in the local and regional councils, as it would facilitate work as well the services offered in the local councils.

Around 70 laptops were distributed to local councils, where they were also connected to 337 electronic apparatus on the MITA system, so that more efficient and secure services are ensured, the government statement read. The informatics infrastructure system will also be changed within all Maltese and Gozitan local councils.

It was also announced that a new digital portal is being launched where permission needed on various services from the local council can be given through the online platform. Citizens can apply for various permits on the new electronic site from the comfort of their own home. This project is due to be completed throughout this year and will include all local councils around the country.

Additionally, another initiative includes Wifi4EU, where citizens can benefit from high-quality, secure and free WiFi in public spaces. Thus far, 27 local councils benefit from this scheme which was issued by the European Union. Throughout this year, 54 localities will benefit from the free WiFi scheme.

Minister Herrera concluded that this investment makes part of the continuous work which ensures that local government operations continue to offer better and more efficient services to the community.