Heavier fines for littering

Frans Said, St Paul's Bay

After reading St Paul's Bay mayor Graziella Galea's letter (The Sunday Times, August 31) in reply to another, I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Although she is new, she surely should have learnt something from her father. As mayor it is expected that she is proactive. What is she doing, or at least intending to do, about the utter anarchy in St Paul's Bay?

Apart from the rubbish strewn along the pavements, streets, corners and beaches, there are well-known 'hot spots'. There is a law that dictates that all catering establishments have a private skip. Who checks? Some of these 'rogue' establishments wait until they close to place their rubbish in front of private residences. How about installing CCTV cameras?

Ms Galea mentioned the elusive green wardens. I recently spotted one who was busier chatting with his 'friend' than taking action against him. If Ms Galea really wants to get the ball rolling, she must be aggressive. First of all, she needs support from all quarters.

Furthermore, I suggest an initial fine of €100 for dog owners who disregard the law. Fees of, say, €500 and €1,000 should be applicable for repeat offences. Putting garbage bags in front of other people's residences should similarly be punished.

Finally, the green wardens should be controlled and any one of them not doing his duty in full should also be fined at least €1,000 for the first offence. There are too many 'friends', 'relatives', 'godfathers', etc. Above all, there should be political goodwill and all should support measures of drastic discipline.

Then, about a year later, Ms Galea and her fellow mayors will be able to boast about the true value of local councils.

Comments

Sandra Ciantar (on 7/9/08)

I have to agree with F Said, it is a disgrace how dirty St Pauls Bay is getting.Shame on the people who are littering the streets.

TRW O'Neill (on 7/9/08)

How I agree with F Said's letter, if ever a workforce was so workshy it has to be in Malta. I remember reading about Green Wardens being employed 2-3 years ago? The streets are filthy , do the GW have to show results? I have not read any reports of people being fined ever , in that time. Are they too busy slopping off to their second jobs? Recently the Mayor of St Pauls Bay wrote to bemoan the bad workmanship of the WSC staff , saying that the Council was having to do repairs themself. this is outrageous, she should contact the Mayors of all the other areas, they should then make a joint demand that the WSB repair all the badly repaired roads all over Malta caused by their bad workmanship. At their expense of course, then maybe WSC will make sure that repairs are done correctly.