The degradation of Gozo

I could not but agree with Betty Berry (June 7) about the gradual degradation of a beloved sister island Gozo and the rampant, frenetic building "boom".

I have known most corners of Gozo far longer than Ms Berry, having hiked and camped with scouts all around the island since a few years after the war. From where I sit to pen this letter I see a huge truck carting soil and debris every 30 minutes from a plot nearby being excavated presumably for another block of shells.

The soil overflows the sides of the truck every metre, the wide road opposite my abode is full of dust and debris from the truck - which of course is uncovered.

In the few days I have been resting here - I thought in peace and quiet, oh how mistaken can one be! - I have noticed several dozens of empty shells awaiting further speculation.

I have walked by and seen by-ways, passages, sides of roads littered with plastic bottles and bags, rubbish bags and even soiled babies' nappies. I have seen inhabitants throw paper, cigarette butts and even packets out of car windows, pastizzi wrappers dropped once the contents were eaten. The invasion of Maltese and tourists has not yet started - so the blame must fall elsewhere.

Where are the wardens, green or otherwise? In a fortnight I have not seen one that could make a difference to the present state of Gozo. Perhaps traffic violations are more important? My feeling is that most Gozitans are becoming immune to this degradation, certainly the pride of the ancestors is not being passed on down the generations.