The road leading to the Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Centre in Corradino Hill, Paola, is in a very bad state of repair. Drivers, especially the disabled, just cannot take to the road because it is very dangerous, especially when it rains. The broken road and debris on both sides are in full view of everyone, including ministers and other dignitaries, on their way to the centre. Urgent funds are needed to remedy the situation.

L-Istrina organisers please note.

Green Talk

Disposal of domestic garbage in University Street, Msida, leaves a lot to be desired. The local council must certainly be aware of it but fails to take the necessary action. Green wardens remain conspicuous by their absence.

True Spirit

Republic Street in Valletta has been gearing up for the Christmas festivities. There is so much to see and do, especially opposite the law courts. Alas the only thing missing is the traditional Christmas crib. Still, let us hope this year the true spirit of Christmas will prevail.

Shut Up

Now that the Nationalist Party has decided not to talk politics during the festive season, one supposes the people will just have to wait to be told which are those ministries not too keen on green initiatives. But, hey, the PN and the government should not be one and the same... unless there is a common denominator!

Smoke Hazard

Some time ago, this column pointed out the fact that minors were able to obtain single cigarettes from several types of outlets, such as grocers, coffee shops, and bazaars, for 10c apiece. This practice is still rife; and one may see the consequences of the business wrought by unscrupulous shop owners when schoolchildren are seen smoking before entering school.

Bad Signs

The Swieqi local council has planted a surfeit of traffic signs on iron poles, haphazardly all along Ibrag Road, perhaps to make up for the absence of trees! It is patently obvious the ADT was never consulted, as the sheer number of them obtaining constitutes a driving hazard. Some have even been cemented into the middle of the footpath that serves residents, students and tourists alike.

Crime Pays

The word is that the law is an ass. Ample proof of this, if it were needed, lies in the fact that criminals found guilty of statutory rape and other sex-related crimes are still able to get away with a suspended sentence and not even a rap on the knuckles. If legislation does not provide for sentences at least as harsh as the lifelong ones they would have meted out to their victims, the law ought to be changed forthwith.

Red Alert

A serious case of bullying was brought before the court the other day. The case was rightly tackled and concluded expeditiously. Yet, it is amazing how not one member of the college staff, in the position to nip this behaviour in the bud, had noticed that anything was amiss.

Customer Care

Why is it that some local councils fail to reply to e-mails sent to them by people who would like help with a particular issue, or those who are simply asking for information? A visit to the offices of the local council offices will elicit the said help. Ironically, however, when a query is made about the e-mail, the reply is that the staff would have been "busy".

Clock Work

It is commendable that certain health centres are equipped with X-Rays. It is disgusting these are operated only up to noon. A recent case with a fractured finger was told that even if the paramedics wanted to do it, the computer would not accept it once noon strikes. Wow!

Vertically Challenged

It is important never to forget that what is being hailed as the Vertical Connection Project concerning Valletta had its ancestor removed when the operation was no longer considered viable. The cruise liner terminal and the Park and Ride scheme certainly indicate that there is a need for at least the "old lift" to be rebuilt as soon as possible. The rest can come later.