The interests of the people of Għargħur are being safeguarded only by those who genuinely have their wellbeing at heart, the Nationalist Party said Saturday.

The residents of Ħal Għargħur voted to have representatives on the Local Council who would protect their interests and those of the locality. But it is now clear that some have deceived them and today, despite holding a seat on the Council, are acting otherwise, the PN said.

In October 2023, the Government agreed to lease the Fort Anċieretka to the Ħal Għargħur Local Council. This was formalised through a contract between the Lands Authority and the Council, which at the time had a Nationalist majority led by Mayor Helen Gauci. With the permission of the same Authority, the site was then to be subleased to the non-governmental organisation Don Bosco Foundation, which works tirelessly with children and youths from across Malta.

This agreement was reached under the previous administration and had the full support of Labour Party Councillors at the time, Christopher Fenech and Carl Grech. However, it now appears that one or more current Councillors are finding it difficult to maintain the Council's collaboration with this organisation. If this is the case, then everyone should speak clearly so that the residents of Għargħur, as is their right, are made fully aware of each Local Councillor's position.

It is evident that some had no intention other than to be elected and push forward their own personal agenda, the PN said.

When Mayor Helen Gauci signed the sublease contract with the Don Bosco Foundation NGO, this was done with the full agreement of the Lands Authority, which also determined the rent amount - €750 per year. The contract signed with the NGO confirms that everything was done according to law, and the Mayor can assure anyone with doubts about her integrity that there was no personal or political interest involved. The Mayor of Ħal Għargħur's only interest has always been, and remains, the wellbeing of the community. On this point, the Mayor finds comfort in knowing that residents are aware that in her work, she has never favoured any one over another and has always acted with a clear conscience, something that cannot be said for others on the Council.

The Mayor categorically denies that there were any intentions behind this agreement that went beyond serving the community. If those currently opposing the contract were truly concerned, they should have brought concrete proposals to the Council, rather than running to the Labour Party's media channels. It becomes very clear what the true agenda is when someone chooses that route.

It is also untrue that this historic site cannot be used by the Local Council or that the agreement would deny residents access to the fort. On the contrary, the agreement clearly stipulates that the fort is to be used for the benefit of the community, and the NGO cannot charge the public for its use.

The mayor pledges to continue working for the wellbeing of the entire community of Ħal Għargħur and hopes to receive the support of the other Local Councillors, who in June swore to do the same. No attack on local democracy as expressed by the people of Għargħur in the last Council elections nor any further attempt to destabilise the Council will deter the Council from continuing its work.

Residents and the community must always come before the political ambitions of individuals.