Conservation and development of patrimony by Malta "Xlokk region" coastal local councils

Abstract

This research studies the endeavour of Malta "Xlokk Region" Coastal Local Councils in conserving and developing their locality's patrimony. It also explores the residents' perception on the work that the Local Councils are engaging in to reach this goal. The research does not focus on the historical aspect of localities; it focuses on what the Local Councils are doing to conserve their locality's patrimony and the way in which they are educating the citizens about the locality's patrimony and making them aware of it. Moreover, the residents' perception of the Local Council and their understanding of the Local Council's functions are also presented. To achieve both research groups' opinion, questionnaires were sent to residents in all the localities and interviews were held with Mayors from several Local Councils in the region under study. It was found that a majority of the citizens think that Local Councils are working towards conserving the locality's patrimony; however, a majority of the residents think that Local Councils are not working enough towards educating them and creating enough awareness on the locality's patrimony. Half the Mayors also stated that the Local Council is not working towards educating citizens about the locality's patrimony. However, all Mayors in the research group said that the Local Council working towards protecting the locality's patrimony. On the other hand, it was found that most of the residents are not aware of what the functions of the Local Councils are exactly, with the consequence that they often mistake work carried out by Central Government with the Local Council's work. Moreover, the residents are not well informed about the locality's patrimony; many residents do not even know what "patrimony" means. This could either mean that the Local Councils' activities on the locality's patrimony are not having the desired effect or that residents are more interested in what is happening within their immediate surroundings than they are interested in the locality's patrimony. Local Councils are limited in their work related to patrimony. Apart from the fact that it is not a function of Local Councils to protect and conserve the locality's patrimony, there are other factors which keep them back from engaging in certain projects related to the locality's patrimony. However, Local Councils still feel that it is important that they take an active part in the preservation of their locality's patrimony. These findings suggest that there should be more constructive communication between the Local Councils and the residents, in which all the social groups in society should be included. Local Councils should advertise their activities in a more effective manner, and organize activities that are more accessible and appealing to all social groups. Moreover, Local Councils should explain in clear terms what their functions are so that residents can understand their limitations better and appreciate their work more.