On the dot

The recent accident in which a balcony collapsed upon a car in Victoria indicates a relatively ignored danger. The collective weight of rainwater in places that are abandoned or unoccupied for a long period of time may lead to structural damage, and sometimes this proves irreparable. Is there any law to prevent this happening?

Shambles

Throughout last winter, the long section of road leading to Popeye Village was closed because of the works being undertaken. However, it is inconceivable how this stretch, used by hundreds of tourists, minibuses, coaches and other visitors to the place, was left in a shambles throughout the summer, months after the works were completed.

Medication

Recent research indicates that giving paracetamol to children younger than 12 months of age could make them susceptible to respiratory tract and skin conditions, or exacerbate those already extant. It is high time that an awareness programme is designed to include the dangers of self-dosing, as well as the perils of over-the-phone diagnosis. It is not only borrowed medication and antibiotics that do harm.

Literal

"Smart Island" is being translated as "Gżira Intelligenti". Is it possible that the Akkademja tal-Malti can find no better appellation for this, which makes it seem that personification went too far and created a nation of IT-dependent people?

Exposure 1

What is the difference between advertising, erotica and pornography? At times, the line separating them appears to be very thin indeed. Going down the road from Luqa to Qormi stands a disgusting billboard showing parts of a woman's anatomy that have nothing whatsoever to do with the product being advertised. It ought to be removed forthwith.

Exposure 2

It would be a good idea were upcoming artists who could never afford to set up their own solo exhibitions in public places, be given a fair chance to exhibit their works. Foyers of public buildings, including schools and government departments, could be utilised in this manner; and if local businesses could contribute wall space, it would be so much the better.

Stalled

Some time ago, there was a campaign aimed at removing all overhead wires from Valletta, as well as fixing all the pavements such that the City Built by Gentlemen for Gentlemen would be worthy of this title. This process appears to be taking such a long time that people are wondering whether the Royal Opera House will be rebuilt before the aforementioned exercises are completed.

Potholes

Thousand of vehicles including heavy plant, on their way to the bypass, use the section of Mill Street between Santa Venera and Qormi, every day. These could be the reason why the street is in such a bad state. However, they are not an excuse to leave the road surface in such a terrible state.

Overgrown

The bastions in the general area of House of Cataluña, in Valletta, need some urgent TLC. Weeds have once again taken root in between the stones, and this means that the mortar is once again being loosened, and the walls are being insidiously damaged. It is useless boasting about how much money is spent over refurbishment, if this is done when things would have gone too far. This must be an ongoing task.

Wrong-way

A lot of publicity was given to the fact that the Trade Fairs Centre was being moved from Naxxar to Ta' Qali. Yet, there was no oversight. Signs still point the way to Naxxar, such that people who might not have heard of the move might end up trying to go to a fair they would want to attend, by driving in the wrong direction. Those, however, are not the only street signs that have become extraneous.

Unlawful

Some questions to be answered by the relative competent authorities: Is it illegal to park cars on the pavement? Is it illegal for commercial trucks and containers to be parked in residential areas such as small squares? Is it illegal to park high vehicles under balconies, thus making residencies easily accessible to potential burglars? And if this is the case is there a need for individuals to make a report to the police authorities when it is very self-evident?