‘Significant savings’ envisaged in new wardens system

A new local enforcement system that will in part nationalize the system of wardens across localities, is expected to generate “significant savings” by phasing out so-called Authorised Officers (AO) who managed the enforcement system on behalf of councils.

AOs were responsible to manage the affairs of Maltese local councils according to their regional grouping.

Now, bringing the enforcement of the five regions under one roof, the new Local Enforcement System Agency (LESA) will be assuming the work carried out by five AOs.

According to the Ministry for Justice, LESA head Ray Zammit – the former acting police commissioner who resigned following the Sheehan shooting inquiry – will be paid €50,000 per annum, a salary that is in itself almost 25% less than what a single AO used to be paid under the previous system.

In December 2014, Zammit was removed from the helm of the police corps for the way he handled an incident in which Home Affairs minister Manuel Mallia’s security driver, constable Paul Sheehan, shot at a speeding car that nicked the ministerial car.

Zammit then was plunged back into controversy over business relations he had with property owner Joe Gaffarena, allegedly within breach of the civil service code.

The ministry confirmed that Zammit will be assuming the functions of the AOs as of 1 October. As CEO, Zammit will be chauffer-driven and have his mobile phone and internet service expenses paid for.

LESA will be operating from a second-floor office rented at the former Television House in Guardamangia. The first floor is rented out on a commercial basis to other entities, the majority being private media companies.

Under the old system, five authorised officers were assigned to the five regions for councils. Figures provided by the ministry show that an AO could earn as much as €82,000 per year. It also transpired that the AO responsible for the southern region received a yearly payment of €65,433 over the past five years. In 2014, the AO responsible for the central region received €82,000.

The five regional committees used to contract private operators for warden services. The regulatory function of the system used to be effected by the AOs. Acting independently of the LES reform, two of the regions have terminated the contracts of their AOs over the past months, redirecting the job to the region’s executive secretary.

The northern, Gozitan and central regions, acting on the instruction of the local government director, issued a one-month termination notice, as per contract.

“A centralized regulatory system of local enforcement is crucial to save the current system from itself,” a spokesperson for the ministry said.

The ministry said LESA will be in a better position to expeditiously identify “the defaults” of the private operator. Agency representatives will be roaming the streets, overseeing local enforcement and report back in a bid to create more uniformity.

Local wardens will be trained in traffic management, car accidents, environment protection and construction sites management. The training will ensure that wardens follow uniform guidelines, while receiving training in intrapersonal skills and relevant legislation.

“LESA will be able to plan ahead and draft proposals and policies. We believe that there are instances – such as traffic management during school hours near school buildings – where local wardens can assist,” the ministry said.

To mark “a fresh page” in the enforcement system, a rebranding programme will be launched next year along with a new uniform for the wardens.