Xemxija promenade

David Agius chose to write not about the cake and the icing, but the cherry (Xemxija Promenade Needs Finishing Touches, April 16).

The decorative lights he mentioned are truly decorative and not the essential street lighting which has been there for years! The local council and the Ministry for the Infrastructure have completed all the works from Veccja to Capuchins church as planned and on schedule to the very day.

The local council has drawn the attention of the Malta Transport Authority several times to the fact that the new zebra crossings lack pelican lights, warning of the imminent danger to pedestrians needing to cross from the residential side to the promenade and vice-versa. It's about time that action is taken to avoid any accident.

Mr Agius also comments about the need for paint on the railings. These are however galvanised and some time needs to pass before a fresh coat of paint is applied.

Mr Agius, who seems to know the area quite well, should also know that is-Simar is a scheduled area used by BirdLife and thus does not fall under the local council's jurisdiction.

He also mentions the benches. I am sure all passers-by know that there is now more seating than the amount is required.

The promenade referred to "under the promenade" is no promenade at all, but a concrete road for the use of fishermen and boat owners.

This road happens to be only one foot above sea level and it is not possible for any embellishment to be carried out.

It seems that Mr Agius only drives through Xemxija, as the local council has two large notice boards, one next to the Capuchin church and another one near the public conveniences near Olympic Gardens, which are updated weekly.

The council has published two historical books, one about three years ago, A Guide to St Paul's Bay showing all historical and heritage sites in our locality, and another booklet about the Xemxija Heritage Trail, which has been distributed to visitors in their hundreds free of charge, as well as to all interested persons.

I would like to thank Mr Agius for the interest he shows in our locality and assure him that we always do our utmost within the limitations of the available funds.