Community development initiatives taken by local councils in South Eastern Malta : a comparative study in several localities in this region

Abstract

This aim of this long essay is to look at the Community development initiatives taken by Local Councils in the South Eastern Region of the Maltese islands, by taking a sample of seven adjoining localities in this region. These localities are Birzebbuga, Ghaxaq, Gudja, Marsaxlokk, Safi, Zejtun and Zurrieq. The main resource for this study was the Minutes of the seven Local Councils, between April 2001 and March 2005. The second important resource was oral interviews, based on a structured questionnaire, made to 50 different people (8 from each locality). The comparative analysis of the initiatives taken these seven Local Councils is complemented by data emanating from semi-structured interviews with the people living in these localities. Local Councils have taken different measures to improve life in their community. The emphasis made by Local Councils differs from one locality to another. By and large the people interviewed seem to be under the impression that the principal duties of Local Councils are road maintenance, and are not aware of most services provided by the Local Council in their locality.