More than €1 million in LESA funds generated through citations is being divided between 20 Local Councils and the Local Councils’ Association to carry out projects in Gozitan and Maltese localities.

One of the projects which has also been approved is from the Gozo Regional Committee which will be for distributing pedal cycles to every locality in Gozo for the use of young people between the ages of 16 and 18.

“Money generated by LESA citations is being invested back in the localities in order to carry out projects in the towns and villages,” said Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri.

He went on to say that, “nobody enjoys being penalised. But today we are seeing what is being generated from them – the LESA agency is reinvesting them back in to our localities.”

“The money is being turned into direct investment in our towns and villages, the roads and gardens, ensuring more accessibility and fewer cars on the streets through pedestrian projects among others,” said the Minister.

President of the Local Councils’ Association Mario Fava, said that when the Association started this initiative four years ago, the idea was that that part of the money paid by residents in several localities in summonses, is invested back into the communities. Now we have raised the maximum that each council could apply for so that we have bigger projects that can be better enjoyed by our residents.

Mr Fava stressed that the vision of the Association, which was launched in 2019, would give priority to the four main pillars; sustainable mobility, open spaces, urban green, and smart cities. All this was embraced by the LESA Agency and the application criteria was set out on these pillars along with safety.

LESA Chief Executive Svetlick Flores explained the principles behind this fund, where projects were placed under five main categories: 1. A better local environment; 2. Alternative and cleaner transport; 3. Modern infrastructure; 4. Safer locations; 5. Local heritage.

The agency received 49 submissions out of which 21 projects were selected. The Chief Executive concluded by saying that he is convinced that through these funds there will be a very positive impact on the localities, and above all on the residents.

Through this fund, local councils that have been selected by a selection board, independent of LESA will received up to 80% of the total project expenditure to a maximum of € 80,000.

Those that had their projects approved are: The Local Councils Association, the Gozo Regional Committee, and the Local Councils of Birgu, Cospicua, Fgura, Floriana, Gudja, Hamrun, Msida, Senglea, Kalkara, Lija, Mellieha, Paola, Hal Safi, San Gwann, Santa Lucija, Siggiewi, Hal Tarxien, ix-Xghajra and Haz-Zabbar.

Photo: DOI/Clodagh ONeill

Permalink: Gozo Regional Committee project to be funded through LESA fines