A new agreement involving all Malta’s Local Councils and the Public Works Department will be allocating €10 million to local councils for more projects aimed at addressing residents' needs in localities.

The programme will be providing assistance to local councils through a collaboration agreement with a wide range of projects between the central government and local councils.

The agreement is aimed at facilitating the process for local councils to carry out infrastructure works in their localities, including maintenance and emergency works, benefiting residents as well as the general public.

Prime Minister Robert Abela said that the primary principle of this framework is to address citizens' needs.

Before signing the agreement, also attended by Local Government Minister Owen Bonnici, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bonett, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia, and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli, Abela said that emphasis should be placed on infrastructure works with subsequent focus on practices favouring easy mobility, particularly aiding the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Mentioning several commendable projects for communities, also undertaken in collaboration with Local Councils, it was noted that ongoing work toward more cleanliness and more initiatives will be taken to achieve better results in this regard.

Bonett said that in recent years, government has always been attentive and supportive of all Local Councils across the country.

He thanked the Public Works Department for tirelessly working in every corner of the country on various levels, especially in community works such as maintenance, restoration, open spaces, and public buildings.

“Thanks to this agreement, we will strengthen this positive relationship and make it easier for Local Councils to achieve their goals more efficiently, while improving the quality of life for residential communities and all those visiting these localities,” Bonett said.

Farrugia spoke about the vision to change the mentality of how we look at planning in our localities.

“These €10 million are an opportunity for the Public Works Department to facilitate the process for Local Councils to make all the positive changes in our localities. Tangible changes, because we believe that we need to build the future of our localities," Farrugia said.

Zerafa Civelli said that government’s work is generating economic growth which brings up other realities to be addressed.