The Ghajnsielem Local Council was one of the seven localities selected under the "Sustainable localities programme" and will soon start benefiting from part of the €160,000 grants which will go towards preparing a three-year study targeting demographic, economic, social and environmental challenges. The study aims to make the locality of Ghajnsielem more sustainable. The only other locality selected from Gozo was the village of Gharb.

"We don't want mayors to wake up one morning and come up with a plan" Parliamentary Secretary Dr Chris Said remarked during a press conference in Ghajnsielem stressing that this money would go towards more sustainable plans for demographic, economic, social and environmental improvement.

Ghajnsielem Mayor Francis Cauchi stressed that these grants would not go towards implementing the plans but will cover the cost of professional consultation and services required for such professional studies. "Without these funds and government assistance it would be very difficult for small localities such as Ghajnsielem to embark in these type of long-term projects" 

Strategic studies will include environment protection, healthier lifestyle, touristic possibilities, alternative energy, alternative transport, culture, social inclusion etc.