Gerhard Willvonseder, Austria
Some streets less equal than others
I am a frequent visitor and fan of Malta, due to private connections. So over the last 20 years I have been able to note the changes and development taking place on the island.
Roads have long been a cause of anger, but things have become much better, with a big exception: Down in lovely Mellieħa, where I used to stay, there is a street called Triq il-Pont. And - astonishingly - many years ago, when I visited this part of Malta for the first time, this road was very bumpy, dusty and not asphalted at all. It has remained the same ever since and the road now looks more like a creek than a street.
People and especially children are suffering from the dust, and the approaches to the houses are very demanding for cars and tyres as there are many huge holes in the street. How can that be? Malta is a small and beautiful country and is a member of the EU. Is there nobody responsible for streets, for the security and health of people? What is the reason for this incredible, scandalous 20-year-old situation? Corruption, lack of permits, incompetence? I don't want to believe any of this. Does some other reader have an explanation?
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D Fenech
Sep 4th 2008, 18:38
Dear Gerhard,
I invite you to travel to the south of Malta and there you will be able to understand that yes in Malta some roads are more equal than others and there is also a north/south divide/mentality! For example if you really want to experience the PITS I invite you to try to drive along the road leading from Zabbar to two of the finest colleges in Malta plus a state of the art gymnasium! This stretch of road is quite unique because whilst part of it is nicely asphalted the other half threatens to not only destroy your car but to make you throw up!
Driving in the surrounding area is a disgusting experience to say the least.
Driving around the south of the island you will notice a feeling of lethargy and filth!
The reasons suggested by you are all probably true and they act in unison!
Welcome to "sonny" Malta
Tony Gatt
Sep 4th 2008, 10:44
Dear Gerhard,
The reason why nothing gets done in Malta is politics. It is totally unacceptable for one political party to agree with another on anything, so if one councillor says "yes", his opposite number will say "no" to whatever it is.
Maltese politicians have not yet woken up to the fact that the centre of political power is now in Brussels-the sooner they do and make a united front the sooner funds will flow in.
If you want anything done write to your MEP!