Works free-for-all (1)

I am delighted that by the time my recent letter commenting on works in Ghar Dalam Road, Birzebbuga was published the stretch of road in question was in fact surfaced, much to the relief of the hundreds of people who use this main thoroughfare not to mention residents. Yes the work needed to be carried out. Here I would like to give credit to the workmen involved. They worked in inhuman conditions. They worked right through a heat wave in blistering sun. They deserve all praise! It was not the workers who were the problem but the organisation of it all.

For example:

• Was it wise to commence the works at this time of year when we have had a very dry winter? The timing created hardship for all involved.

• Why wasn't there more surveillance to ensure that heavy traffic such as huge lorries, very long trailers and huge trucks loaded with scrap metal not only do not use this road while the works were in progress but neither driver up and down at excessive speed and mount pavements or force other traffic to mount pavements. It was not enough to simply put up a sign at Bir-Id-Deheb suggesting the alternative Hal Far route. Unfortunately on this island it is not enough to suggest; one must enforce.

• The sporadic appearance of traffic wardens was very conspicuous. One could easily have shot a very interesting and sadly comical video of the antics that went on as a result of a free for all and might is right attitude. The heat and the dust did not help Maltese tempers. The traffic wardens did their job when they appeared. The problem was created when they were not there.

• The works are not completed yet because apparently they will continue till Bir-Id-Deheb.

• Can we learn from our mistakes? If they are not mistakes, can somebody justify them?

One last point. The first stretch of the road given a layer of tarmac but the collapsed pavement, just before the junction to Qajjenza, remains collapsed. The danger persists for everybody especially ladies pushing prams and elderly people. Who is responsible for fixing it? Can somebody please treat the matter as urgent?

Final note to Stefano Mallia (August 1). We live in an independent, European country. We have a right to express our opinion. Yes the power of the Press goes a very long way. Some are articulate others less so but the opinion of each individual matters.