Properties transferred to local councils

Properties belonging to the central government were yesterday formally transferred to the local councils of Qala and Nadur, which will transform them into civic centres.

The transfer was made in separate ceremonies led by Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg.

The minister said the government was following a programme of work aimed at ensuring that the opportunities which EU membership offered local councils would be exploited.

He said the setting up of civic centres in various localities had been beneficial to residents since services were centralised and the centres also became focal points for activities by the councils.

He said the Local Councils Department was participating in the EU's Cost Action Programme, aimed at promoting local government. He said the department would later this year hold a series of seminars for local councils to inform them on EU programmes they could benefit from.