20 February 2007 Rating 4% No Comment  

Speaking at a press conference in Munxar Gozo Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson Dr Harry Vassallo said that the cosy cohabitation of Labour and PN in Munxar had not achieved a more efficient administration of the local government in favour of residents. "On one occasion no election had been held in Munxar leading to a cohabitation between councillors of different parties at the expense of the people they are supposed to represent." Dr Vassallo said. "Projects such as the proposed playing field carried out by the council had been carried out not according to permit. Not only did the council disregard the permit issued but disregarded the needs of the community while instead the council choose to serve the interests of a private individual over those of the community." Dr Vassallo said. "The silence of the Labour Party the light of such a defeat of democracy cannot pass unnoticed." Dr Vassallo said. "While the leader of the opposition has chosen to complain about the delay in the embellishment of the village square, he failed to note that the plans presented to MEPA were not those presented to residents and that alterations serve private interests and not those of the community." Dr Vassallo said. "It is amazing that Dr Sant failed to criticise the Munxar Mayor for illegally uprooting protected trees and for truncating the village playground project in order to favour private interests" Dr Vassallo said. "Somehow Dr Sant also failed to notice that a field that was intended to be part of the playing field will now be omitted regardless of the planning permit issued while a room is being erected in the middle of playground against the wishes of Munxar residents." Dr Vassallo said. "Alternattiva Demokratika is presenting Mr Michael Bajada to contest the Munxar election in order to ensure that public consultation does not become a joke in bad taste, that residents' wishes are faithfully respected and that the administration of local government serves the community and not only a few individuals with disproportionate influence" Dr Vassallo said. "Green councillors in all councils where they have been elected since 1994 have insisted on a culture of respect for residents and especially when the expenditure of public funds is concerned." Dr Vassallo said. "The council's budget is not any mayor's private account but must be spent in terms of the expressed wishes of the community and above all according to law. No cosy political cohabitation can absolve anyone from such obligations." Dr Vassallo said.