The role of the mayor

Instilling a culture where opposing interests could work together in the common interest of my locality was rendered easier than I had originally anticipated when I was elected mayor in 2001. I strongly recall my enticing the newly-elected Labour councillors to participate actively in the political framework I was about to devise. I wanted to put forward an unprecedented opportunity where traditional opposing parties could work together in order to secure political stability in my administration. It is for this reason that I advocate wholeheartedly the participation of political parties in local councils.

The success of a local council also depends on securing a constant review of the council's operations in order to purge inefficiencies. This can only be achieved if a detailed three-year business plan, driven by a set of key priorities, is in place at the outset of the term of office. Mayors should therefore strive to secure a concerted business strategy at the outset of the term of office, which, in turn, would permit the execution of works in strict adherence to a clear schedule underpinned by a given financial framework.

Tendering procedures should, as much as practical, be designed on a lump sum basis in order to avoid budget overruns. Although such systems are not necessarily practical in the case of civil works (such as road works), it would be more efficient if period contract systems are in place as opposed to location-based contract systems. In simple terms, payments are effected following measurement and certification of works carried out within a particular period irrespective of the location. In this way, the need to issue a call for tenders each time the council decides to undertake new works in new locations is eliminated. Thus, the council may consistently accede to new works without unnecessary delays.

This is the reason that enabled us to resurface a record 66 roads over the last six years in Siggiewi, alongside which we have realised no fewer than nine other projects, some of which are being undertaken in joint collaboration with the central government. In under six years, we have successfully managed to construct three public gardens. (Gnien l-Armonija, Gnien Binja Hesri and Gnien Albert Fenech).

With the direct assistance of the Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure, we have also realised the restoration of the chapel known as Ta' Cwerra, located in the main square. Works involved the structural reinstatement of the exposed masonry façades of this 17th century chapel, adopting rigorous restoration methods.

The overhaul of the Siggiewi primary school, to include modern classroom and recreational facilities, currently in an advanced state of completion, signals another key accomplishment with the direct intervention of the Foundation for Tomorrow's Schools.

The entire reconstruction of the road bypass between Siggiewi and Zebbug is there for all of us to witness.

The restoration of entire stretches of dilapidated rubble walls using traditional methods in the Ta' l-Gholja area has also been accomplished. The onset conservation of the surviving ruins of the old church after so many years left in a neglected state is another restoration project underway.

The channelling of urban improvement funds to install energy-efficient lighting sources and restore timber balconies in Siggiewi's village core is another key initiative launched during the last days.

The reconstruction of about three kilometers of pathways over the last six years to render full access is another joint initiative between my council and the Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure.

The application to develop a day care centre and sheltered units for the elderly signals another social commitment on the part of the central government in the interest of Siggiewi. Likewise, the Nationalist central administration has made a strong difference in all other localities in Malta and Gozo, not least in those localities which are Labour led.

Councils have, in no uncertain terms, made a strong difference in the people's quality of life. Yet, the success of each locality depends entirely on the way strategies and priorities are mapped by mayors within a clear decision framework, supported by the ability on their part to do away with partisan divides.

Siggiewi is living proof that traditional opposing parties can actually work together in the interest of the common good. This is why political parties should remain active in local politics.

An architect by profession, Mr Musumeci is mayor of Siggiewi and a PN candidate for the sixth and seventh electoral districts.

rmperiti@onvol.net