Most would argue that local councils have generally had a positive effect on the communities that they serve. A few people dedicate a good part of their free time to identify how they can make their locality a better place where to live by embellishing the town or village and by curbing abusive practices.
It is therefore worrying to hear that, at times, these people are let down by central government politicians who show little ‘political direction’ to resolve rather simple issues that cause unnecessary annoyance to residents in a particular locality. What is even more disturbing is that sometimes politicians appear to contradict each other on the handling of requests by local councils for authority to stop abuse through particular bylaws.
The request of the Valletta council that has been waiting for two years to “force (horse) cab drivers to collect horse droppings before they hit the road” is a case in point. A superficial review of the bylaw requested by this council to prevent littering the streets of the capital city indicates that it is a sensible proposition that should not cause any major policy dilemma for the government to decide to approve it.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government is reported to have “worked incessantly so as not to have any pending bylaws” such as the one drafted by the Valletta council. However, the Ministry of the Environment seems to be withholding its ‘political direction’ on such matters.
Ordinary people have a right to know why this is happening.
No one would expect frivolous or vexatious bylaws to be hastily approved by the minister concerned but sensible proposals should be approved without delay and within the time limits set in the Local Council Act.
This issue may seem relatively minor in the political agenda of the country but the principle that decisions should be taken by entities as near the people as possible is an important one.
If local government officials in a particular town or village decide to resolve a local issue causing inconvenience to the residents they serve, then they should be empowered to implement those measures that are considered necessary without undue delay.
The role of central government should be to ensure that any local bylaws would not, for instance, amount to discrimination between residents of one locality and those of another.
Many argue that restricting free parking to residents of a particular town or village could be considered as discriminatory. A balanced decision on such bylaws could therefore involve discussion between local councillors and politicians to ensure that all residents, irrespective of where they live, are treated fairly.
Some of the pending requests for approval of bylaws proposed by different local councils are indeed sensible. It is astonishing that the Floriana council has “24 pending requests”, some dating back to 2011. Measures to limit noise pollution “from catering and entertainment establishments after 11 pm” are certainly in the interest of residents in places like Sliema, Buġibba and Valletta.
The government has promised a war against bureaucracy. Even if the context of this promise was to encourage entrepreneurs to get on with their business, it seems that the political will to make the lives of ordinary people more liveable by curbing bureaucracy is often lacking.
What the Local Governance Board has termed as “bureaucratic systems” and “lack of coordination” should be eliminated to empower local councils.