I am proud to have represented Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party in the Sliema local council during the past three years. In line with Green principles, I tried to be the voice of residents within a framework of political responsibility, environmental sustainability, social justice and economic sense.

As is frequently the case in Maltese local council politics, the major political parties make a partisan analysis of the performance of councils, depending on whether the majority was Blue or Red. I will try to spare readers such analysis. The simple truth is that the performance of the Sliema local council was satisfactory in some areas, and left much to be desired in others.

For example, with regard to the state of Sliema's public gardens and soft areas, I think that various improvements were made, even though there is quite a way to go. The same can be said with regard to public beaches, where priority was given to the needs of swimmers, bathers and the environment. To the joy of Sliema residents, Jumbo Lido was demolished, thus allowing residents to reclaim what is theirs by right.

With regard to urban conservation, development and construction, the local council backed my proposal to appeal to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority so that Sliema's urban conservation area would be protected. There was opposition to the demolition of protected buildings and to the development of commercial structures in residential areas. At the same time, levies were introduced for contractors so as to help finance the damages done to Sliema's roads and pavements.

With regard to roads and traffic, together with some other councillors from both other political parties, I continuously insisted for value-for-money works and professional management of road construction. This is because such professionalism was lacking at times. Rudolph Street is a case in point. I also supported the embellishment of lanes and alleys and the introduction of traffic-calming measures.

In the meantime, the local council is planning to introduce a free residents parking zone (RPZ) which gives priority to Sliema residents while also giving fair allocation of space to non-residents, workers and shoppers. This proposal is awaiting formal approval from the Malta Transport Authority. I support these plans and also put forward various proposals in this regard. I also strongly believe that the reserved parking scheme has to be revised as in various instances the authorities concerned are awarding reserved parking to people who are not truly disabled. Being a Green local councillor, I gave much attention to the public transport issue in Sliema.

Public transport helps reduce traffic congestion, pollution and parking problems, and during the past three years I put forward various proposals which were supported by all other local councillors. Sliema local council is making constant pressure on the Malta Transport Authority so that certain routes which were removed are re-introduced. A case in point is bus 61 - the only bus which leaves from the Ferries to Valletta.

With regard to the controversial Qui-Si-Sana project, I have been constantly supporting Qui-Si-Sana residents in their legitimate opposition to the proposed development of a car park and commercial project on public land which is currently occupied by a garden in a residential area. The project entails the development of a car park for hundreds of cars, 6,000-7,000 square metres of tourist-related/leisure facilities and a kiosk offering facilities which can take up to a maximum of 40 square metres and an additional 400 square metres for tables and chairs. The Sliema local council is in favour of public consultation on this project. Together with some other councillors and the Qui-Si-Sana Residents Association I am insisting that the Prime Minister should withdraw this project's development brief.

In this regard, the Sliema local council is still awaiting a reply from the Prime Minister for a meeting on this project, but, to date, he has not yet given us an appointment, even though the council has filed a protest with the Ombudsman.

With regard to the proposed development in the Chalet area, the Sliema local council is opposing the destruction of the caves in the area and is in favour of the embellishment of the Ghar-id-Dud promenade and the Chalet ruins. This position has been made clear with Mepa.

Comments were also submitted to Mepa regarding the proposed development at Fort Cambridge. The proposed development has some positive aspects, but it also includes some unacceptable proposals, such as the construction of a 16-storey tower block. The latter is being opposed by Sliema local council.

Sliema local council has also set up an animal welfare sub-committee and has supported the bring-in site waste management system. Hopefully, another bring-in site will be introduced in Sliema so that more residents can participate in this positive practice.

Last but not least, constant support was given to various cultural, sports, social and youth activities, involving various organisations such as the 1st Sliema Scout Group (Bernard's Own), band clubs, the Sliema Wanderers Football Club, various cultural, environmental and social non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and various philanthropic and charity organisations.

It has been of great satisfaction to work for the benefit of residents as a Green councillor within Sliema local council. I think the participation of Malta's third party in local councils helps increase representation and pluralism, leading to healthier debates and decisions. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all Sliema residents for the trust they showed in me three years ago and hope to be deserving of their trust and support once again this time round.

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