The local councils reform has taken centre stage. And its main protagonists are you and me - the residents of all 68 localities of Malta and Gozo. The audience is definitely not a restricted or a seated one. As in a community performance, there is no strictly divided line between the doer and the viewer. Both could be seen as one.

The reform in a way resembles the laborious process of a meticulous performance. The script has been written collectively by all those involved in the wide consultation process activated last May. The government listened to the views of those linked directly or indirectly with the operations of local government. We consulted with governmental entities, with civil society and with residents. Over 200 encounters. More than 7,000 recommendations. We analysed these suggestions and the document we presented last Wednesday is a result of these proposals.

We are transforming these recommendations into concrete decisions. The aim of these decisions is, on top of all, to give you, the citizen, a better service in your locality.

We are building on the success attained in the 15 years of local council experience. This is not a fresh start but a rejuvenation process. This is a renewal modelled on residents' aspirations, on your expectations towards better localities and a better quality of life within your towns and communities. These collective recommendations will be put into practice with the aim of achieving sustainable localities.

Beyond the technicalities of local councils administrative changes, we are transforming the present system to one that places the resident at the heart of the locality.

We would like to see residents lead and take an active role in their locality's progress and not merely limit their participation to voting at their local council's election. We want to extend governmental services to residents within their own locality by turning local councils buildings into a one-stop shop. We want local councils to embark on projects that bring about a better quality of life within their locality and to take more initiatives with the involvement of residents in areas such as education, environment, sports and culture. We want to enhance the locality's tourism product and raise more awareness and appreciation towards localities' heritage. The government will be providing the necessary tools to local councils - human resources, financial resources and training - to take on these responsibilities for the benefit of the community.

Local government, even more than central government, is about being closer to citizens; about assigning authority to people. We have full faith in the decision-making process at local level as residents know what is best for their locality. The shift in the direction of the reform reflects this vision.

My nine-year personal experience as mayor has helped me significantly in realising how local councils function, in knowing what their limits are, what they can achieve and what they can do better if they have more resources and more authority vested in them. Now, as parliamentary secretary responsible for this sector, I have pushed forward this renewed vision as I believe wholeheartedly in this transformation.

I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have contributed throughout the 15 years of local councils' success story and those who participated in the consultation process. Empowering our localities translates into empowering our children, our youths, adults and the elderly.

The performance is about to start. Let's raise the curtain. Let's all pave the way for better localities. We deserve it.

Dr Said is Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information.