My greatest wish is to see Swieqi consolidate its identity, social structure and characteristics as a town rather than evolve as a mere concentration of residences.

On my election as mayor three years ago, my goal was to build on the good work of my predecessors to ensure that Swieqi offers its residents the services and amenities already enjoyed by other towns and villages in Malta and Gozo.

Thanks to the support of the residents, the unity of purpose of all Swieqi local council members and the cooperation of the central government we have done a lot in the past three years.

Our new local council premises better provide for service to Swieqi residents and host many activities in the field of education, sport and active ageing. The recently-opened police station now offers immediate assistance and greater security in our locality.

We can contribute to do more in making Swieqi not only more pleasant to live in but also an integrated community

Aware of Swieqi’s demographics, we have provided educational and assistance programmes that cater for youths, families, ageing residents and people with special needs as well as the integration of resident foreign communities.

We have also resurfaced several roads, embellished open spaces and playing fields and provided open-air gyms as part of our effort aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles.

We have encouraged the talents and creativity of our residents through the sponsorships of exhibitions, family outings and Swieqi Fest that has been organised since 2011 and which consists of three days of activities centered on the promotion of culture, the arts and sport.

We also contributed towards efforts to deal with national problems, such as the successful organisation by the Swieqi local council of the first national conference on drugs with the theme ‘Can drugs lead to poverty?’

Together we can contribute to do more in making Swieqi not only more pleasant to live in but also an integrated community that creatively contributes to the well-being of the Maltese nation.

Although a lot has been done, if re-elected, over the next four years I would like to work on a good number of points.

Firstly, increased security and police presence. My aim would be to continue operations with the police to enhance security and protect the community from ordinary and drug-related crimes.

Secondly, road surfacing programmes. We will make sustained pressure on the government to provide Swieqi with adequate funding for road surfacing and maintenance programmes to ensure that all Swieqi roads are safe.

Thirdly, Swieqi post office. The opening of a new post office at the Swieqi Civic Centre will ensure that Swieqi residents are served better.

Fourthly, sports for youths and children. I will ensure the consolidation of sports activities and training progammes for the healthy upbringing of Swieqi’s children and youths, servicing the public gardens where Swieqi residents can gather to relax.

I would also like to work on life-learning programmes, whereby I would reinforce current educational programmes that ensure better integration of adults and youths into the labour market.

Furthermore, active ageing activities would also be given importance. Existing initiatives will be consolidated to promote active ageing for Swieqi’s growing population of senior citizens, including the opening of a day centre for the elderly.

I also aim to increase activities that encourage greater health awareness in collaboration with the health authorities and NGOs. Another future challenge would be consolidating town identity by building an art and culture centre and a town square, promoting socio-cultural activities at community level that celebrate local talent and boost Swieqi’s identity.

Finally, I would also work on the entrance and exit points to Swieqi through renewed efforts with the government and Transport Malta to provide rational and safe entrance and exit points.

Noel Muscat is a PN candidate for Saturday’s local elections.

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