Times of Malta

A call to action for Gżira

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- AARON CARUANA Aaron Caruana is a new PN candidate for the Gżira local council.

In recent years, the streets of Gżira have witnessed a troubling trend – an alarming rise in criminal activities and abuses within our community. It’s a sobering reality that demands our immediate attention and concerted efforts to bolster security measures.

As we navigate through these challenges, it becomes abundantly clear that prioritisi­ng security is not just a choice but an imperative for the well-being of our beloved locality.

One glaring necessity is the implementa­tion of comprehens­ive CCTV surveillan­ce systems which serve not only as deterrents to criminal behaviour but also as invaluable tools in investigat­ing and resolving incidents swiftly. Furthermor­e, expanding CCTV coverage can aid in combatting the rampant issue of dumping abuses, ensuring our streets remain clean and safe for all residents.

The burgeoning population of Gżira brings with it a host of challenges, including the pressing need for a resident-focused parking scheme. As streets become increasing­ly congested, residents are left grappling with the daily struggle of finding parking spaces near their homes. A well-structured parking scheme tailored to the needs of residents can alleviate this burden and foster a more harmonious living environmen­t.

Moreover, the influx of visitors drawn to our vibrant hospitalit­y scene and growing tourism industry exacerbate­s the issue of waste management. It’s imperative that we invest more resources into cleanlines­s initiative­s to avoid rodents in our streets.

However, the challenges we face extend beyond physical infrastruc­ture; they touch upon the very fabric of our community. The rapid demographi­c changes have, to some extent, eroded the sense of belonging among residents. Integratio­n of foreigners into our community is paramount, and fostering better communicat­ion channels can facilitate meaningful interactio­ns and bridge cultural divides.

Furthermor­e, as an ageing population, we must not forget the needs of our elderly residents, particular­ly those living alone. Initiative­s aimed at promoting active ageing and addressing solitude through organised events and community outreach programmes are essential to ensuring their well-being and dignity.

In the past few days, I made the decision to accept the invitation extended by the Nationalis­t Party and its leader, Bernard Grech, to stand as a candidate in the upcoming local council election for Gżira, scheduled for June 8.

My journey with the Nationalis­t Party spans many years, during which I have supported numerous members of parliament and candidates in amplifying their message and advancing the party’s vision to a broader audience as well as to bring the party closer to the people.

This commitment to public service is deeply rooted in the values instilled in me by my late father, who supported the party in the darkest hours of our nation’s history. Inspired by his legacy and driven by a shared passion for democratic principles, I am compelled to take on a more active role in shaping the future of our community.

I stand alongside fellow PN candidates who are committed to fight for a stronger democracy, recognisin­g that genuine change begins at the grassroots level ‒ the local level, where the concerns and aspiration­s of residents are most keenly felt. It is here, at the grassroots, that I believe we can make the most significan­t impact in advancing the collective welfare of our community and upholding the principles of transparen­cy, accountabi­lity and civic engagement.

As I embark on this new chapter of my journey, I am fuelled by a steadfast commitment to serving the interests of the people of Gżira and working tirelessly to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.

Together, let us forge a path towards a brighter, more inclusive future for our beloved locality, grounded in the fundamenta­l tenets of democracy and participat­ory governance.

One glaring necessity is the implementa­tion of comprehens­ive CCTV surveillan­ce systems*

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 ?? PHOTO: SHUTTERSTO­CK.COM ?? Prioritisi­ng security is not just a choice but an imperative for the well-being of the locality.
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTO­CK.COM Prioritisi­ng security is not just a choice but an imperative for the well-being of the locality.

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