It's now or never

The daily traffic congestions at Floriana caused by the closure of Sarria Street, in preparation for the Elton John concert, is causing unnecessary inconvenience to those who have to travel to the capital. They are stuck daily in traffic.

Analysing what is being said by all entities which have a finger in the pie vis-à-vis the preparations, namely Floriana local council, the transport authority, the police, Mepa and so on and so forth, one comes to the conclusion that all concerned are acting within the parameters of the law and that... it is only the public which is making a mountain out of a molehill.

We were told by the organisers that Sir Elton's manager opted for the granaries and said: there or never. It is amazing with what arrogance certain people deem it fit to act, and also, how easily to accommodate a few for their financial gain. The rights and needs of others are not only set aside, but risk being trampled on.

On the Monday morning, the day when Sarria Street was closed, I had to travel to Valletta. When we were at Portes-des-Bombes, the sound of an ambulance siren could be heard, but obviously there was no way the ambulance could make its way through.

I shiver to think with what urgency the ambulance was called.

What I find incredible is the statement made by Police Commissioner John Rizzo, when he said that he only got to know about the traffic jams when he was on his way to work on the Monday morning. I can very well understand why he felt embarrassed.

It seems now there is nothing one can do, except have patience and wish the rock concert success. However, in future, before we agree to such big scale activities, we should give due consideration to the public's needs and right by law to have obstacle-free roads.