Citizens deserve to be respected and protected

For almost a year now, I have been subjected to the consequences of appalling pollution. A chimney installed for Misto Restaurant kitchen on Tigné Seafront spews large quantities of black tar. Not soot, not smoke but sticky blobs of tar which dry and are a nightmare to remove. All in the area complain. Unfortunately, I'm the worst off because my balcony covers the others and the quantity of tar has rendered it virtually uninhabitable.

I reported this to the restaurant manager and the owners promised to see to it. Nothing has been done. So, I proceeded to contact Mepa who sent representatives to inspect the complaint. Months passed and till today nothing has been done. I issued a letter through my lawyer to the restaurant owners sending a copy to the Police Commissioner. I was advised that the latter needed the go ahead from Mepa for action to be taken. The pollution continues unabated.

The political parties have made protection of the environment and the elimination of pollution a major political objective. The reality remains the same, going so far as to ignore or even protect avid polluters because the law enforcement agencies deny any accountability.

For Mepa it is always a matter for the police and for the police it is always a matter for Mepa and for the culprits it is always a matter of "Yeah! So sue me!" This has become the norm also between the police and the local councils. Malta as usual passes the royal buck.

In civilised societies citizens are given respect and protection, to which they have a right. Not so in Malta where my own experience proves quite the contrary.

When are the great political promises to be turned into action or will they remain the proverbial hot air for another five years? When do we citizens start enjoying the security of law and order here? Please somebody act and stop the abuse or must one resort to a long drawn-out court case?