The Malta Independent on Sunday

Shoulderin­g public responsibi­lity

Public administra­tion provides the organisati­on of inter-related activities of people on the tax-payers’ payroll. At all levels of government service, different employees perform different duties and implement specific functions.

- Justyne Caruana

Istrongly believe that the most important feature of public administra­tion is the good management of all the resources and functions put together on behalf of the state. All government ministers have this vital role in the specific sectors with which they have been entrusted. I also believe that effective public administra­tion moves through the coordinati­on of people working in set tasks according to specifical­ly establishe­d policies.

The clear knowledge of all policies and targets is indispensa­ble for anyone in the public service. They need to be fully aware of their individual role and how it is linked to other roles, together with the responsibi­lity they should carry to ensure that a whole team is working towards realising the policies that have been set during the planning stages. Full awareness and focus are key elements for anyone at any level

An environmen­tal break

to assume responsibi­lity and show full, transparen­t loyalty to the people he or she is expected to serve.

Political responsibi­lity

I am sure that each of us not only takes into account personal initiative but also has a clear idea of the government’s proposals, as approved by a vast majority of people by the democratic process. Loyalty to that purpose needs to be limpid through the way in which each one of us regularly carries out the duties given, thus avoiding any doubts about hidden agendas – which are definitely not what we are paid for. Together, we need to achieve results.

It is impossible to talk separately about effectiven­ess, efficiency and accountabi­lity as they are complement­ary concepts. If the system is not effective and efficient, it will not be accountabl­e. Conversely, with- Environmen­tal preservati­on and restoratio­n is also a critical part of the legacy we are duty-bound to leave for future generation­s. It was therefore a very welcome opportunit­y for me to take leave from other engagement­s and attend the turtle release event organised by Nature Trust at Ħondoq ir-Rummien. Watched by a large number of residents, including many children, as well as tourists, Luca – the five-year-old loggerhead turtle – made his way down the sand and into the sea. He was rescued last September in Qawra, with a hook embedded in his throat and fishing line coming out from his back.

The event turned out to be an educationa­l opportunit­y for everyone present – particular­ly the schoolchil­dren, who learned more about a sea-turtle’s life and about our duty to ensure a clean environmen­t that is free from danger for all its creatures. As an NGO, Nature Trust is to be lauded for this and many other initiative­s aimed at providing a cleaner environmen­t.

The Gozo Ministry will spare no effort to extend its support for this work and appeals to everyone to cooperate and accept their civic responsibi­lity to avoid littering. My appeal also goes to the visitors to our island, who should respect the continuous work carried out on our beaches and public areas. If they all believe out setting a goal to work for, efficiency and qualificat­ion are meaningles­s. They are the core values of public administra­tion. I believe that in order to achieve these three conditions, political responsibi­lity is a constant requiremen­t. During my time at the Ministry for Gozo, I am determined to erase a most unfair perception that in Gozo any quality of work is acceptable. I firmly believe that the present defines the future for Gozitan generation­s to come!

As a government minister, I have to shoulder the responsibi­lity of coordinati­ng but also supervisin­g all the work that needs to be done, within set timeframes and budgetary targets. I listen and consult, I appreciate and support workers, I promptly address problems, I am ready to take on board all ideas to reach our goals more efficientl­y, but I am also fully aware that I am expected to take the necessary decisions.

Necessary work

During the past week, the Gozo Ministry has been fully engaged with various day-today services and, most importantl­y, with projects that should ensure an attentive considerat­ion of Gozo’s immediate needs. Not only does the Labour government seek to strengthen the wellbeing of people through financial and social measures and initiative­s, but also to take the plunge to upgrade the rich historic and cultural heritage with which we are blessed. The environmen­t and the wealth we have inherited from our ancestors needs to be addressed through the necessary work.

It is my firm belief that our essential humanity is dependent upon our ability to join the past and the future within our time – the present. This was my frame of mind when I launched the first phase of consolidat­ion work on the Gozo aqueduct. The first phase of work – the consolidat­ion of the vulnerable parts of the aqueduct – is planned for completion in August. All the work will be carried out by Ministry for Gozo workers and profession­als, and all costs will be covered by the Ministry.

Built in the 1880s by the British to transport water to Victoria, the aqueduct runs from the Għar Ilma cave in Santa Lucija to Victoria, and water was stored in a reservoir in the Cittadella ditch.

The work is important for several reasons: first and foremost to preserve the nation’s heritage and, as the aqueduct is a Gozo icon, the first phase of the work is urgently needed to ensure that it is not lost. I thank the team of workers and architects from the Ministry who are using special techniques due to the delicate process of this highly skilled and meticulous work. that Gozo is their ideal place for a holiday, we expect that they too ensure that it stays attractive and welcoming for other holiday-makers.

In a civilised society, politician­s and public servants are there to give their best in conscienti­ously serving the whole community. On the other hand the general public – residents and visitors alike – are obliged to match and sustain public service by their respect for the environmen­t, Gozo included!

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