Vandalism increasing in Pembroke, mayor says council to strengthen community-policing services
Newly-elected Pembroke mayor Kaylon Zammit said that vandalism incidents have increased in Pembroke in the areas closest to Paceville, where the local council is trying to strengthen its community-policing services.The Malta Independent on Sunday spo
Newly-elected Pembroke mayor Kaylon Zammit said that vandalism incidents have increased in Pembroke in the areas closest to Paceville, where the local council is trying to strengthen its community-policing services.
The Malta Independent on Sunday spoke to Zammit, following June's local council elections which saw Labour keep its hold on the locality, albeit winning only by a whisker.
Zammit said that one of his worries is that the issue of safety and security is increasingly being put in jeopardy.
Pembroke is one of the towns on the periphery of Paceville, the main nightlife hub on the island.
In recent weeks, one of the other localities in close proximity to the party district, Swieqi, has also been experiencing incidents of vandalism and concerns over resident safety, falling victim to drunk individuals and rowdy tourists committing offences in the early hours.
He said that as Paceville and its establishments continue to grow, the issue of safety from some inebriated individuals, who commit vandalism, also increases.
"Our locality has been a victim of vandalism, especially the area closest to Paceville, case in point the former ITS site," Zammit said.
Zammit said that this can be tackled, and the local council is strengthening community-policing services.
"We want to strengthen the community policing service so that we can mitigate this problem," Zammit said.
Issues with db Group on its project at Pembroke 'were addressed'
Zammit was asked about the db project at the former ITS site, a controversial project which saw several objectors seeking to overturn the Planning Authority and the Environment and Planning Tribunal decisions.
The project involves excavating the former ITS site overlooking St. George's Bay and constructing three towers with heights of 17, 16, and 12 floors. It will feature high-end apartments, retail and commercial spaces, as well as a hotel. db Group were ultimately given the go-ahead to complete its City Centre towers after a court rejected a request filed by objectors to retry an appeal.
Asked about his opinion on the project, Zammit said that firstly, it is a state of fact that cases, such as the development in the former ITS site, would surely have affected the election's results.
He said that the db project was tackled in a positive manner even within the Pembroke Local Council. Zammit continued that all steps and measures were taken in the past legislature.
"There is a lot more commerce from various entities in the locality, so it is important for the entire team at the local council to keep positive and communicate with all the entities in the locality," Zammit said, adding that this relationship can benefit residents.
He highlighted the importance of positive relations with the locality's businesses as well as other entities, such as the 16 schools in the locality and NGOs. Services and the positive work they do also benefits the residents, Zammit continued.
Pushed on how the council would tackle an entity which may refuse to cooperate, Zammit said that the council led by him stands firm with the notion that "the resident always comes first" and the council makes sure every entity in the locality knows this.
Zammit said that everything must be looked at from the residents' perspective, in terms of, for example, construction.
"If we see any entity who wants to take a different stance, the council will certainly be firm, leaning more towards the resident," Zammit said.
He said that communication in this regard is very healthy, and any plans should be discussed maturely, addressing certain problems which could arise and how they could be mitigated.
Zammit was asked how the council would tackle rising issues during building work on the db site.
Zammit said he understood Pembroke residents' concerns on this issue, as he himself lives nearby.
He clarified that the db project is not the only one in the area, saying that across the road, there is yet another project being constructed under a different developer.
"I started communication with db and discussions began. I can say that if there were things that needed to be fixed, they were tackled immediately," Zammit said, adding that the council did not find the company's door closed.
However, there is much more to be done, Zammit said, adding that the local council will be the entity which will protect the residents' interests, and where it sees illegalities, it will try to stop it.
"We will be flagging everything," Zammit said. He mentioned that the most laborious part of the DB project, the excavation, has been completed.
Zammit admitted that the inconvenience is there and will remain until the entire project is finished.
"I would be lying if I told the residents that there will be no inconveniences, however, I look forward for the project being completed," Zammit said.
He stated that every developer must promptly address any illegalities or irregularities and noted that, with the support of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), any issues arising from the db project were resolved immediately.
Zammit said that the issues revolved around clarification, even with regards to the permit. This was resolved, he said, and in the meantime, works had to stop. He added that everything was discussed by the team at the local council.
On traffic and overpopulation, Zammit said that at the moment, Pembroke's traffic situation is quite under control, as past issues were addressed by the government entities such as Transport Malta, especially around peak school hours given that the locality has 16 schools.
"We have to be certain that there are plans in place, and make sure that traffic management is addressed, and actually serves our residents," Zammit said, adding that it is important that the plans are beneficial for the residents.
Council to make 'hot spot' areas for drug users a deterrent
Certain areas in Pembroke have gained a reputation for attracting drug users and traffickers. Zammit acknowledged being aware of these locations and suggested that they could be addressed by turning them into deterrents for such activities. This can be done by installing CCTV cameras, gates, as well as lights for dimly lit areas, he said.
On the other hand, Zammit said that closing up gardens with gates could also pose the risk of vandals committing vandalism acts because of the closure.
He clarified that these locations are few, however, the local council is aware of the hot spot areas, and is addressing the problem.
He was asked about the council's stand on the plans that would change the existing Park and Ride area in the locality, after Malta Public Transport filed an application proposing the "upgrading of existing Park and Ride site, and repositioning of the existing car park and bus parking area".
The proposal included construction of electric bus charging pillars and ancillary facilities for public transport, namely substation, switchgear room, rest area for employees, washing area and canopies with solar panels.
Zammit said that discussions were held with the entity to update him with the plans, and he believed that the plans must not interfere with the businesses and residents in the area.
"The area is meant to be an open and parking area for residents and others visiting the locality, so you cannot kill the few businesses there are by parking several buses in front of them," Zammit said.
Zammit succeeded a longstanding and popular former mayor Dean Hili. Zammit said that he had a good relationship with Hili, and he was always there to help all candidates before the elections.
"It is a new local council, a new legislature, and most of the councillors are new. I am very confident in them, on both sides," Zammit said. He added that he preferred not to involve partisan politics when the focus should be on supporting the residents.
"Thankfully, the Pembroke local council is made up of a united team from both sides, the Nationalist and the Labour Party, who are working hand in hand on several projects, and developing a plan for the locality," Zammit said, adding that this will be shared with the residents.
When asked if he has encountered any pressing issues in the locality during his brief tenure as mayor, Zammit responded that, while his time in the role has been short, the experience has been enjoyable, though it demands significant time and dedication.
"Ultimately, you have to keep the balance between what the residents want, and what the council can actually do," Zammit said.
He said that unfortunately, many people believe that the local council is able to address all issues, but in certain instances, the government entities and authorities are responsible.
Zammit said that the council acts as a "mid-fielder" who finds the relationship between the resident and that authority, so that middle-ground is found.
"We are working on many big projects, both past and new ones," Zammit said.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
