‘Ignored And Not Consulted’: Gozo Mayors Complain To Clint Camilleri
Following complaints by several Gozitan mayors, the Gozo Regional Council has urged Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri to consult and communicate with local councils.
“Following a Gozo Regional Council meeting on 21st January, I have been instructed to send you this correspondence pertaining to complaints by several mayors due to a lack of consultation and communication by the ministry with Gozitan local councils,” the email reads.
“This is with regards to ongoing work by the ministry in their respective localities. This lack of communication and consultation is making it difficult for local councils to plan their work with regards to capital projects, the issuing of permits etc.”
The Regional Council went on to warn that local councils’ emails to the Gozo Ministry are often ignored.
“On behalf of Gozitan mayors, we are kindly urging you to remedy this situation as soon as possible for the benefit of Gozitan localities,” the Regional Council said.
“In this meeting, the mayors also pointed out that if we work together and pull the same rope, we can be more productive to improve our Gozo.”
Shadow Gozo Minister Alex Borg said that the email is proof of the “communication crisis” that the Nationalist Party has long been flagging.
“Local councils, which should be working hand in hand with the ministry to promote their communities’ needs, are being totally ignored.”
“This isn’t just a lack of respect towards the system of local governance but an insult to the people of Gozo who, at the very least, expect their needs to be taken into account.”
“I urge Clint Camilleri to immediately clarify this complaint and take concrete action to work transparently with Gozitan local councils. Gozo deserves much better than this.”
“If we truly want a better future for Gozo, the ministry should take Gozitan leadership seriously and not view councils as an obstacle. It was a PN government that introduced local councils and, in the future, will make sure they are given back the dignity they deserve.”
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