Social impact assessment : Reġjun Lvant

Abstract

The scope of a Social Impact Assessment is to analyse, better monitor the intended and unintended social consequences from policies, programs and project concluded or planned, and the social changes these would have had or might bring about.

Obviously, the conclusion from such a study - which all of Malta’s Regional Councils are obliged to conduct within the initial years of each new legislature - has the primary purpose to help gauge the present social status within each. In the light of the findings hereby being presented by the Faculty for Social Wellbeing within the University of Malta, the Eastern Regional Council, is now in a more knowledgeable position to mitigate for, address and plan adequate interventions to maximise benefits towards the Social Wellbeing and best interest of our communities.

We feel our Region is rich in contrasts of different aspects. Ours, is the most populous region and assembles, smaller, quaint localities steeped in tradition, amassed over many centuries. A few of more recent development, and which are still evolving at a very fast pace, totally away from previously early identifiable characteristics of a more traditional way of life. Others larger, ever expanding - mostly upwards! quite cosmopolitan, vibrant and bustling with commercial, entertainment and tourism activities! So, matters of social concerns abound.

This report’s conclusions provide us with the opportunity to test how near or far off correct are our perceptions.

This scientific snapshot is most needed and welcome; conclusions need to be very carefully studied and assessed, so the right policies may be set in place at the earliest.

Times change, and our Islands have and still are experiencing a great deal of this. Are we adapting to change? Surely forever -a bone of contention-, we have to learn to adapt to change if we are to move forward. Does however the old saying “When in Rome do like the Romans do”! still hold water? This report should enlighten us further. I am of the opinion that there’s still a great deal to debate on this!

Let’s thrive towards building a Society that embraces every person irrespective; one based on ‘common understanding’ and one that will always hold dear to its heart the ‘Wellbeing of All’.