The Division for Cleaning and Maintenance will expand its operations in several localities through agreements signed with 12 Local Councils for the next five years, the government said.
In a statement, it said that through this agreement, the Division will expand its operations in the respective localities with more investment in human resources and machinery to clean residential streets.
The 12 Local Councils that signed this agreement are those of Bormla, Birkirkara, Birżebbuġa, Iklin, Kalkara, Kirkop, Luqa, Marsaxlokk, Mtarfa, Santa Venera, Ta’ Xbiex, and Żurrieq.
Parliamentary Secretary for Public Cleanliness Glenn Bedingfield mentioned that cleanliness alone is not the ultimate goal.
"The ultimate goal is us, the people, and the environment we live in. It depends on us to beautify and keep our country clean because when we do so, we do it for ourselves as Maltese and also for those who visit us," he said.
He explained that the environment belongs to the people and therefore government wants to work hand in hand with the communities to make the country look better and more beautiful.
"The agreement with the Local Councils is being made so that work done is not just a one-time occasion but becomes part of the regular work carried out by the Division," he said.
Bedingfield also announced that in the coming period of time, Malta will have a Public Cleanliness Act.
He emphasized the importance of this Act, which aims to better define what public cleanliness involves and identify responsibilities related to Public Cleanliness.
"The Act itself should serve as a means of awareness about the need to take care of our country to prevent it from appearing neglected, while at the same time strengthening the civic sense of Maltese communities," Bedingfield said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli, said that while the maintenance and cleanliness of localities is one of the primary responsibilities of Local Councils, keeping localities clean is also a challenge for Local Councils.
However, through this collective effort, she said that the Local Councils are committed to providing a better, cleaner, and healthier environment for the benefit of the residents.
"We must work to ensure that this agreement is successful in these 12 localities for the benefit of their respective residents and everyone who visits these localities. I also appeal for everyone to contribute towards cleanliness, and just as we keep our homes clean, we should keep the areas outside our residences clean," Zerafa Civelli said.