Birżebbuġa local council acting executive secretary

I refer to the article Local Council Still Without Executive Secretary (August 20).

The Birżebbuġa local council had nominated a person to fill the vacant post of executive secretary.

While vetting the documentation the department noted that a particular reference (certifying applicant's managerial experience) was missing. It was this fact that led to the delay in finalising the process.

In view of this delay, and in order that the council continues with its day-to-day administration, the department (and not the council as stated in the statement by the Birżebbuġa local council) appointed an acting executive secretary who has extensive experience as an executive secretary with another council.

The council's decision not to open its doors to the public, besides being in breach of article 48(2) of the Local Councils Act, is also unwarranted in view of the appointment of an acting executive secretary.