Litter and neglect in Bugibba

What used to be a pleasant walk along the Bugibba promenade has become an embarrassing, shameful experience. The enormous amount of litter scattered along the pavement, coupled with the eyesore of overflowing rubbish bins, have become the order of the day.

Needless to say, the situation gets dramatically worse during the week end. Unfortunately, this scenario is not only restricted to the promenade and the main square, but it is also visible in secondary areas extending up to Qawra.

Garbage bags taken out early in the evening are left to rot on the pavements until the next day's collection, making the stench unbearable.

Shouldn't wardens be on the look-out for these irresponsible persons and fine them on the spot if caught red-handed taking out garbage at the inappropriate time? And please, let the fines run into hundreds of liri, not a mere Lm10, which everyone can afford to fork out!

And while we're at it, can the local council or the relevant authorities explain why the fountain situated in the middle of the Bugibba square has been void of water for months? Rather than embellishing the area, it has become an eyesore and yet another dumping place.

Having been to Spain and Italy a few years back, places which are renowned for their glorious fountains, I never came across such a pitiful state of affairs. Keeping in mind that these fountains are substantially large in size, it really beats me how we are incapable of keeping a miniature fountain running.

I dread to think what tourists are making of all this. Aren't we burying our heads in the sand when thinking that we are still competitive and that tourists will continue to visit, irrespective of what image we project?

Let us not forget that a stepping stone away from us, countries which have been previously frowned upon are becoming more and more popular as tourist destinations. They are offering cheaper holidays while ensuring their product excels.

We cannot keep on fooling ourselves, saying that the sun and sea alone will keep the tourists flocking to our shores.

Allow me to put forward some suggestions to the Bugibba local council:

1. The green litter bins currently in use should be replaced. They have a very small opening, making it very easy for rubbish to get stuck at the top, rendering the bin unusable. In addition, the bins should be emptied regularly;

2. Increase the frequency, at least during the summer, of the domestic rubbish collection; and

3. The main square area is in dire need of a facelift and the current state of neglect requires immediate attention. It's no use inaugurating projects which are then not maintained.

While hoping the above will not fall on deaf ears, I look forward to seeing a cleaner Bugibba and a cleaner Malta. Let us act fast before it is too late!