Editorial

A refined part of our culture postpones action in the hope that time will heal all our problems, or in the gut belief that "something may happen to avert disaster" or that "it couldn't happen to us".

Examples abound, but let us take just one topical example - the question of the karozzini. These are hated just as much as they are loved especially by tourists.

We must all agree the karozzini are wanted, that they cause some problems, that these problems must be solved by all concerned and not just by the government which is expected to please everyone without displeasing anyone.

Why have karozzini owners so far refused to clean up the mess or to adopt aprons for their animal? Why has the city not enforced its ruling and why has the government not backed the local council? Why are they allowed to "park" in Strait Street to the great discomfort and danger of passersby? Why do the horses stand and do their business next to the people eating and drinking at their tables? Why should the karozzini owners do what they please with impunity? And why cannot anybody enforce limits, stations, uniforms or civilities?

Although it is always wrong to generalise, it has to be pointed out that no tourist is allowed to go by without being offered a "cabbie". None of us can go by without hearing the delicate notes of the lowest forms of our beautiful language. In addition, cabmen often love to drive in the middle of the road to cause as much discomfort as possible to following traffic. They have also been known to threaten people with whips, if anyone should but sound a horn or try to overtake them.

They should really clean up their act, as they rightly call for shelter for their horses and better treatment by the authorities.

On the other hand, horses are big unwieldy animals and their physical discharges smell and mark the environment in no uncertain way. Thus, standing horses cannot be allowed next to eating outlets. The centre of government is far from an ideal place for a concentration of karozzini and quite eloquent cabmen. Shelter on a small parade ground, there, is beyond thought, let alone execution. So why does it take so long to designate another place for karozzini gathering, with proper shelter and watering? At least a temporary shelter or shelters ought to be provided as soon as possible until such time as a suitable location for a permanent structure is found and that should not take ages either.

It will have to be decided whether there should be stands near St John's Co-Cathedral, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, City Gate and Pinto Wharf, among others, as is being claimed, and also whether we are going to do away altogether with the Palace Square as a possibility.

There are about 60 karozzini operating in Valletta alone with a smaller number, spread sparsely in other localities. They must be put in order and regularised by a governing body with power to enforce its decisions. Or have we lost even that?

All those who joined in the recent public protest calling for karozzini shelter will surely want action not just in the best interest of the horses themselves but also of their owners and the public, including tourists. And that means ensuring cleanliness, hygiene, correct behaviour and reasonable fares.

The protest demonstrated there is will. Hence, it should not be difficult to get around a table and find early solutions that will benefit all.