Animal farm 2008

While out on my daily walk, which rarely follows the same route, I walked down St Thomas Street from the direction of Tarxien to Fgura. What a sight! Initially there is no pavement to walk on which is then followed by a piece of land which I can only describe as a mini-Magħtab! The road is littered with construction sites.

A few metres down the road I started to get the impression that I was walking in the open countryside. The smell was somewhat overpowering. My assumption soon became a reality. Yes folks, a dairy farm on a main road and right in the middle of a residential area!

My initial concern and thoughts were concentrated on the hundreds of people who live in this area. How could they stand this awful stench? What is it like during the long summer months? So imagine my utter disbelief when I noticed that right across the road not more than 10 metres away, a brand new building houses a prominent catering establishment whose clients include our new Mater Dei Hospital. I am no expert on hygiene or the control of germs and bacteria (airborne or otherwise) but surely the preparation of food warrants safer and definitely more adequate surroundings. The slightest of risks should not and cannot be ignored!

Are the relevant authorities aware of this state of affairs? If not (and I doubt it) they should most certainly investigate this matter. From what I could deduce, this farm has been there for a considerable number of years and preceded every construction in sight! So who is the bright spark responsible for such a huge development in this area? The present predicament begs an answer.

On a lighter note: The two adjacent roads bordering this farm bear the following names, "Dun G. Gonzi" and "Dun K. Sant". Will the two prominent political namesakes be contesting this part of Malta in the upcoming general election? Just about the only aspect from this whole and dreadful experience that brought a bit of a smile on my face.