On the Dot...

Residents of Abela Street in Sta Venera are definitely not looking forward to the cooler and wetter months. The rains of a few days ago gave them a taste of what they are to expect - mud, mud and yet more mud (above), making it impossible to walk, drive or push a pram.

Green Gauge

After all the fuss about whether or not certain plants and flowers were suitable for wayside decoration, some of them have been torn up as works for the Park and Ride system get seriously under way in the Blata-l-Bajda area. Therefore, in a way that was not the one ranted by critics, taxpayers' money has nonetheless gone down the drain, for it is impossible that no one knew about the project when the greenery was being planned, ordered and planted.

Work to Lure

One also wonders what happened to the suggestion that workers from each ministry might apply to be seconded with NGOs or certain institutions. One notes with pleasure that HSBC has already made arrangements for two members of its senior staff complement to take leave of absence from the bank and work elsewhere, sharing their expertise with entities that would otherwise never have received their services.

Park and Deride

What, if any, are the responsibilities of the self-styled parkers whom one has occasion to tip, several times a day, if one parks a car in different locations owing to one's job or errands list? It would seem that although some of them make it clear that a 10c coin is not enough, and others request car keys, at law they are not liable for any damages wrought to vehicles; and perhaps this is because they have no legal right to be there.

Penny Foolish

The men's public (in)convenience in Strait Street, corner withhold Theatre Street, in Valletta, has once again been allowed to generate into a smelly, dirty, forsaken place. It desperately needs a hosing down with disinfectant and the floor could do with a brass broom scrub, too.

Tucking In

Shops, whether stationeries, bazaars, or grocers, have it made when they are located on the way to an educational institution, basically because most of them have a sweets counter. This issue is aggravated by the factor that school tuck-shops, where they still exist, also supply a ready, steady supply of sweetmeats and assorted junk food. How about introducing single servings of nut mixes, or fruit or vegetable salads, at least on a trial basis instead, for the coming scholastic year?

Flying High

Each time an aircraft hits a flying bird, or crosses the flight path of a whole flock, the event makes the news not least because the upshot could have been fatal. Much less attention, however, is accorded to the flocks of winged vermin, otherwise known as pigeons, that regularly congregate at known points all over the island, where they know that food is forthcoming. It would be interesting to discover whether people have actually been fined for feeding them.

Fast Track

On August 31 at 3.30 p.m. a warden was travelling on a scooter along the coast road. He was doing at least 60mph and overtook a bus by going over a double white line.

Early Birds

After much talk about the possibility of introducing early retirement schemes for public servants, the subject, like so many others, has died the death. This is strange, considering that the public sector was said to be overstaffed, such that no recruitments have been deemed necessary for quite some time now. Ironically, the rumour is that Maltacom plc workers will be offered early retirement schemes before privatisation.

Leaf of Absence

Some time ago this column suggested the clearing out of all drains and gullies from leaves, weeds and other debris, lest flash rains lead to flooding and water wastage. Unfortunately, this was not done in time and so sodden leaves and waterlogged rubbish have blocked several ditches and channels to reservoirs.

House Rules

It does not make sense to have buildings standing empty, whether they have been around for ages, or frequently built. This may be happening for several reasons. Unfortunately, this problem is exacerbated by those who are unwilling to let go of properties that are rented to them at ridiculous rates. The rent law reform is therefore long overdue.

Face Value

The façade of the beautiful Auberge de Baviere, in Valletta has been allowed to deteriorate, despite there having been plans to restore it to its former glory. This is but one of the many buildings that sets us apart from other nations and, as such, ought to be seen to forthwith. Unless, of course, making a lot of noise about the project at a much later date is on the cards.