"The Gozo Regional Committee has been given the responsibility for street lighting in Gozo, therefore, Gozitan Councils are encouraged to stop addressing public complaints to Enemalta."

This message was issued to local councils in Gozo by the Department for Local Government, saying it "was a reminder that the street lighting responsibility has been devolved to the Gozo Regional Committee Gozo, and therefore, any public complaint should be referred to the same region."

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Stefan Buontempo, commented that, "last year, an agreement was signed whereby the Government passed the responsibility of all street lighting in Gozo to the Gozo Regional Committee."

"Through a new project, which cost around € 3 million and was partially financed by European funds. Gozitan street lamps, which are very old and waste electricity, are being changed with new energy-efficient LED lamps."

He added that, "as part of the agreement, the Government has committed to contribute € 50,000 a year to the Region and the first payment was issued last December."

Parliamentary Secretary Buontempo remarked that in addition to giving more power to the Gozitan Councils and the same Gozo Region, this devolution will be of benefit to Gozitans because it will directly translate into more efficient lighting. Moreover, the Gozitan residents can now report any damage or faults directly to their Local Council, resulting in repairs be carried out more efficiently and in the shortest possible time

Therefore, he urged Gozitan Local Councils to continue to cooperate with the Gozo Region and the Central Government for the benefit of Gozitan communities.

Further information can be obtained via phone 21561653 or email ( regjun-ghawdex.dlg@gov.mt ).

Photograph: MGOZ/George Scerri

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