UPDATE 3: Melita says it had ministry, council approval to use City Gate

mark tanti

Jan 30th 2009, 20:45

If what Melita is saying is true than both Melita and the Ministry should be ashamed of their behaviour. Both of them should admitt their mistake and appoligise publicly.

T.gauci

Jan 30th 2009, 18:30

@Karl Vella It wasn't GO's fault for cable disrupts, recently GO layed 2nd cable for redundancy. melita broadband stops work for no reason trust me i had melita broadband and i will never again switch to their service, melita can't match GO's broadband.

K.Falzon

Jan 30th 2009, 18:02

Karl Vella, You are critizing GO as they had had 2 faults on their submarine cable. Do you now that Melita have not yet laid their first cable and are using the Voadfone cable???

formosa

Jan 30th 2009, 16:14

This has nothing to do with mobile services. This is about respect for our national history. No matter how much one may be willing to pay, certain things are just not for sale and certain people, in this case, Melita, or whoever designed this campaign, should in the first place not even had seen City gate as an option! Melita havent even launched yet; this is their second advertising foul already! What about the terriby noisy stands they placed on the strand in Sliema during Xmas?! From early morning they went went on and on booming and banging with the noisiest most annoying party music. Now I like party music -AT PARTIES- but certainly not with my coffee at the strand, walk by the sea or already hectic enough Xmas shopping! Do you realise people live there?! What are you trying to sell here? A reliable service or a service that seems to be willing to do anything, at all costs! Melita, please show some respect!!! If you want to sell, sell quality. p.s. Mr. Gauci do you have any idea was caused the probs with the submarine cables? Get your facts right!

S. Fenech

Jan 30th 2009, 13:42

Went through City Gate just yesterday, the dirt and mess it is in, is really disgusting. At least those banners hid some of this filth. After all, the advertising was a temporary one until their mobile launching! Doughnuts, bread selling, posters splashed on the columns, these never really bothered anyone before melita did this ... and all of you complaining about melita's service should know better what they should do, just call customer care and tell them you quit and choose other competition. That's all it requires!

Lawrence Mifsud

Jan 30th 2009, 13:31

A very bad excercise all the way through. Melita started it: our (in)competent authorities did the rest.

Marc Camilleri

Jan 30th 2009, 13:15

Before turning City gate into a massive billboard (to say the least) Melita should have sought approval of all the relevant, competent authorities (namely, Lands,MEPA, LC incl all stakeholders) It could be that Melita and some other local organisations still need to learn CSR practices!

E. Azzopardi

Jan 30th 2009, 13:02

Mr Karl Vella, I said the Germans and Swiss and NOT the Italians.

David J Camilleri

Jan 30th 2009, 10:52

@Karl Vella Unfortunately there is no mentioning of Melita seeking permission from MEPA - which is a MUST for all advertisement signs in Malta! So the fault really lies with Melita and its technical advisers. Valletta Local council and the Ministry of Finance are at fault in accepting the money from Melita (unless this is a new procedure!) and not directing Melita to apply for required permission at the MEPA! Furthermore the Valletta council should explain how it granted work permits for works to take place without checking that Melita had the MEPA permits! I think that all the local councils have a secretary who should know these procedures and their legal implications!

Melvin Sapiano

Jan 30th 2009, 10:05

@Karl Vella Totally agree with you... I was a GO internet customer until the tragic submarine cable incident. I resolved my problem by switching to Melita internet, who luckily offered my a quick install date! That's the only solution I could find since I do not own a diver's license. When it came to GO Mobile, I switched to Vodafone 4 years ago after I failed to connect to the world from abroad... but now with Vodafone I can barely connect to anyone in Malta while I'm on the go. Let's hope this highly-publicised new provider will live up to its promise and they got my subscription.

Karl Vella

Jan 30th 2009, 09:47

@T.gauci
Are you serious? don't you think that GO is the one with the poor service ... allow me to jog your memory and remind you of the two submarine cable fiascos, within a few months of each other....that's what I call poor service: huge losses by gaming companies (which incidentally have become a pillar of our economy) and massive inconvenience for common mortals like us.

I think someone else within MEPA and the Valletta local council has some explaining to do, rather than Melita.

T.gauci

Jan 29th 2009, 21:13

it would've been better if melita invested in its technical team and its poor service instead of mobile carrier. do they expect that all the clients of other carriers will switch to their service ?, they deserved this one.

Eileen Scanlon

Jan 29th 2009, 16:01

You all have little to cry about. from what I see on the gates looks fine. enjoy each day without crying over something as silly as an advertisement

Daniel Russell

Jan 29th 2009, 11:26

@Karl Vella
I agree with you that the Council was at fault for permitting the development and working as a Council officer myself in a similar position in the UK, I have seen similar errors of judgement. The best one ever was when a former glass works alongside the M5 motorway was "ad wrapped" in cellulose film advertising a new Vauxhall car, then cigarettes and then holiday homes in Spain! Please do not let this happen in Malta, what about the thought of an "ad wrapped" Fort St Elmo!
The main problem in all this is advertising can generate large sums of money for the Local Authority in question and this can give sway. Surely as a development matter, MEPA would have to have given permission, as is the case in the UK, because from personal experience, the two planning systems are very similar.
The sooner that eyesore is pulled down the better I say. If the Council does want advertising, why not have one of those big screens which could be used to show sporting or other events around the island. The one in Birmingham is very popular.

Karl Vella

Jan 29th 2009, 10:51

@ E Azzopardi
You mentioned the Germans and Swiss ...check out what the Italians did in Venice and you will know what's happening abroad!
Click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliancontreras/2924051691/

This is ridiculous because the blame lies fair and square on the council for granting the permit and not on Melita for erecting its structures. I'm sure that if any one of you had the opportunity to advertise in such a prominent place you'd take it!
Have we forgotten when the bastions below Fort St Angelo were draped with advertising?

victor vella

Jan 29th 2009, 09:11

Aren't we going a bit astray here? The council may approve anything but on it's proerty only further more even if the property belonged to the council they still needed the permit from MEPA.Tghid mhux ser ihalluk tghamel xi haga u ma jdahhlu xejn fil kaxxa tal MEPA? But that is the law, Melita might have taught that having the council's permission was enough.Unfortunately they were wrong knew it and true gentlemen they removed the signs. Now when can we have those ugly faces removed from the inner side of citygate?

Philip Micallef

Jan 29th 2009, 00:33

Shame on the authorities concerned, for allowing such activities to take place at Valletta's City Gate. This is supposed to be a city, built by gentlemen, for gentlemen. But on second thoughts, nowadays, no respect is shown anylonger for values, morals, and one's uprightness, except for how to make a quick buck. As the saying goes in Maltese " l-ezempju jkaxkar".Take the St John's Cathedral underground excavation project as example, and the answers come easily.

E. Azzopardi

Jan 28th 2009, 22:35

It was a shame to put it there in the first place. The Ministry and the Council ( and Melita for that matter), should know better. This should NEVER have happened. Councils then get offended when the poeple call them "money grabbers". Is this island in such dire straits???? We shall soon be selling our souls for money!!! There is no pride in this country, period. Go and tell the Germans or the Swiss to do this to their capital. Stop using the word "SMART". It does not count for this island, at least not yet. Melita has every right to advertise but in the right places. This definitely was not the right place.

David J Camilleri

Jan 28th 2009, 19:52

Whilst stating that I am a very satisfied customer of Melita Cable, and would heartily recommend them to anyone interested to install and use their telecommunication systems, I fail to understand how such a big company or its professional advisers have failed to apply to MEPA for such advert. Every architect and businessmen know that to put up an advertisement sign, even on its own shop wherever it may be, requires the MEPA permit. They also know that MEPA will only approve such permits subject to third parties and a NO OBJECTION is obtained from the various relevant departments including the local council/s concerned.

Karl Consiglio

Jan 28th 2009, 19:15

Ok Melita had the ministry, council approval to use City Gate, but that don't make it right, does it? On second thoughts its not like Melita were ruining something we usually think very pretty. If anything its our current City Gate that was making Melita look a little rubbish by choosing to advertise there where the pigeons do their toileting. Not the wisest of business strategies.

S.Calleja

Jan 28th 2009, 19:04

This controversy is the best advertising Melita can have. And, unlike the City Gate adverts, this one's free of charge.

lgalea

Jan 28th 2009, 18:44

Karl Vella, Michael Gatt
Getting rid of maintenance staff shoots down your service and customer care.

M. Mizzi

Jan 28th 2009, 18:39

The only shoddy service I got was from Melita with powercuts and hidden charges.

One must here also mention the Telecare Service Go provides which Melita will never ever hope to offer since there is no quick € to be made.

J. Abela

Jan 28th 2009, 17:43

Seems like another fill up article.

Melita has the right to advert. A clock on the Sliema roundabout is an advert to the company. I believe no one complained when the same clock was used by BOV as a Euro count down.

I do not agree maybe about the city gate ads however no big deal. It is a marketing compaign. No one complains when the two major communication companies in Malta - Go and Voda launch their ads - and advertise on every possible medium.

Of course Melita has it drawbacks when it comes to late fee penalties. Lets see what Melita has to offer re: mobile service. Competition is healthy!.

Btw: I'm not affiliated with Melita or whatsoever.

jesmond zammit

Jan 28th 2009, 17:34

may be renzo piano got some ideas from this porkerija.

Anne Marie Kissaun

Jan 28th 2009, 17:28

Well, I very much agree with P. Cassar. City Gate looks very much like a dumping area. Every advertising situation takes place in the Square which makes it look so tatty. Where are these advertisers going when we have the new entrance to this beautiful city of ours. I am sure that Renzo Piano will be quoting a ridiculous sum of money to recreate the City Gate when all we could have done is to present him with a picture of the Old version, give and take, a few changes. Then, I am sure that we have very good architects who can follow a picture and more!!!! The same goes to the Opera House, if ever, this materialises. A lot of money is going to be paid to Renzo Piano when this could be put to better use in the climate the world is in at the moment. OF COURSE INCLUDING THE ISLAND OF MALTA

ChrisSciberras

Jan 28th 2009, 17:13

Well it seems that Melita managed to advertise anyway not only from city gate, but also on the newspapers/ Free publicity. Actually they managed to recieve complaints from some of their customers as well.

M. Mizzi

Jan 28th 2009, 16:53

Melita should also remove its advertising from the roundabout at Sliema and update the clock with the proper time and not with the date of their launch.

They had better use that gigantic watch to keep their appointments, especially in dealing with faults.

Franco Farrugia

Jan 28th 2009, 15:57

Some points raised simply have nothing to do with the issue: points such as the advertising company itself, or how many jobs it offers, etc .... all that has no bearing on the main topic!

I reiterate that, in spite of the fact that I still do not condone the advertising of the euro on City Gate, the introd. of said euro was of super importance to the country! Nothing in comparison with the advertising company.

Karl Vella

Jan 28th 2009, 15:45

@lgalea
re complaints about shoddy service it has nothing to do with the amount of staff that the company has on its books. It's a known fact that GO are overstaffed and are offering retirement plans as we speak (and have been doing so regularly over the past 3 years) ...given this situation, does it mean that since GO is overstaffed, they get no complaints from customers? Give us a break

Re having you as a customer it's entirely up to you ...but I'm always ready to give a try to new entrants in the market, especially if they intend to keep their promises. Time will tell.

Michael Gatt

Jan 28th 2009, 15:43

@Igalea
It seems you're not a Melita customer and thus have not experienced the benefits of RELIABLE services from Melita. Have you not seen what happened in December?

Also I reiterate that in this country we do not afford to have two-ways, two-measures methodology. If all was in order for NECC then I can't see why a commercial company investing and creating employment in Malta is treated differently!

d briffa

Jan 28th 2009, 15:32

@matthew agius
I am sorry but i don't agree.. whether its the Euro or whether its melita mobile..both are advertising.. so both should be given the same rights and opportunities to do so..

I think that as long as no structural damage has been done to the building.. why should one not advertise in this manner.. lets keep in mind that this is something temp[orary.

I am sure that not many companies can afford to advertise in that manner.. most probably this will not happen again..

What the council could do is allow such companies to advertise.. but instead of paying the council directly.. they could maintain some part of the gate!

Matthew Agius

Jan 28th 2009, 15:18

Every company seeks the best places to advertise, and if the authorities granted this then it's a success to the company.

I don't agree such a private company can advertise at City Gate. The Euro was a national landmark in history.

How where the permissions given to such a act?

Imagine : The US Statue of Liberty with 'Ford' countdown for their new car.

lgalea

Jan 28th 2009, 15:17

Michael Gatt
You may do what you like Michael, but they shall never get me as a customer even if they are the last service provider.
How about all those who regularly complain about their shoddy service?
You should also know that they have previously shed a lot of workers so that is one reason why their services are so shoddy.

Evarist Saliba
I agree with advertising that distract drivers, especially big billboards. They are very dangerous and should not be allowed.

Michael Gatt

Jan 28th 2009, 14:43

@ IGalea

This company invested €40 million and created 100 new jobs to complete such a project:

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090114/local/melita-completes-40million-mobile-network-ericsson-spokesman-hails-challenging-project/

I for one am looking forward to have a look at the cheaper rates Melita are promising... and if they are innovative in the way they are promoting their message and in line with the law (and to add to that: following procedure as per other government events), then well done Melita!

P.CASSAR

Jan 28th 2009, 14:31

SHAME AND SHAME AGAIN ON THE MINISTRY AND THE VALLETTA LOCAL COUNCIL

HOW COME THAT SOME ARE SAYING THAT WITH THE ADVERTS CITY GATE ( UGLY DIRTY AND ABONDENED AS IT IS ALREADY) LOOKS BETTER WITH HUGE COMMERCIAL ADVERTS!!!! I COMPARED IT TO A SLUM WITH COLOURFUL POSTERS

Evarist Saliba

Jan 28th 2009, 14:11

Any business seeks to advertise its products and is willing to pay for this. Who can blame them?

There are persons, and bodies, who are only too pleased to receive money for permitting their property to be used for this purpose. Who can blame them?

Then there should be a public authority whose mandate should include the preservation of good taste, safety and similar issues of public interest. Hence the need for permits. It is this authority which is accountable to the public, and which should set, and maintain, standards in public advertising that prevail over revenue interests. Sudden changes in response to criticism implies that permits are issued without due care.

For example, I object to advertising which distract drivers especially in dangerous spots, or on public transport buses which obliterates the colour of a bus, or its destination. Yes, such advertising may be permitted abroad. So what? Should we behave like copy-cats?

steve tarros

Jan 28th 2009, 13:51

shame...................it look brighter like that, then i did before......................come on when we going to do something about that gate, the entrance to a beautiful city looks a mess ............or just give it a good clean !!

lgalea

Jan 28th 2009, 13:39

Ingrid Jones-cameron
Phone them up and tell them to remove.
They have absolutely NO right to affix any of their cables or boxes to private property.

Adriana Fenech, geraldine debono
If for you they are for many they are not Adriana.

Michael Gatt, d briffa
They only invested to increase their profits. Have you ever read the great number of letters sent to The Times about their sham services?

Kenneth Cassar

Jan 28th 2009, 13:18

A conspiracy theorist would say that all this controversy has been brought up on purpose. After all, no publicity is bad publicity.

Franco Farrugia

Jan 28th 2009, 13:15

Is it possible, is it at all possible that nobody is wise enough to mark a distinction, in terms of national importance, between advertising the euro and advertising for Melita?

In this manner, every Tom, Dick and Harry can use City Gate for advertising.

Howevermuch people tend to downgrade City Gate, it is still and will remain, until further notice, CITY Gate. So, it is plain stupid to claim that City Gate is better off with the adverts. Is that the extent of our pride in our capital city? Or rather, do we have any national pride left, in anything?

There is also a great comparison between the ugly, unseeming blue advertising of Melta, and the artistic pictures which are not, by the way, on City Gate but are to be found further in.

Shaun Muscat

Jan 28th 2009, 12:38

A country ruled by stupid bureaucracy!!!

J Oatmon

Jan 28th 2009, 12:35

All these contradictions in for 'Required Approvals' - can be avoided by having a 'one stop' policy online.
With a 'one stop' policy, you look in the 'one stop' online directory for what you want to do, and contact the required number, and receive the latest definitive, detailed instructions / email on what is required for approval.
With different people giving different instructions - it is no wonder the situation is chaotic!

Introduce a one stop

Ingrid Jones-cameron

Jan 28th 2009, 12:28

Melita cable fixed a wire and a box round my balcony and facade without even asking. Such arrogance! the nails are rusting and cracking the masonary.

Karl Vella

Jan 28th 2009, 12:10

@P.Cassar

According to Melita's statement, the company had the necessary permits to erect those structures on City Gate, which I re-iterate, have enhanced the entrance to Valletta.

If the Valletta Local Council granted permission to Melita to use City Gate, and 4 days before mobile rollout, they are forced to remove it don't you think that something's fishy here?

Where's MEPA in all of this? Mr Austin Walker please stand up

Jean-Pierre

Jan 28th 2009, 12:08

City Gate is the ugliest capital city entrance that I have ever seen. The advertising of the euro and melita made is seem much better and presentable.

Michael Gatt

Jan 28th 2009, 12:08

Definitely agree that government events should never be above the law. The law applies to everyone INCLUDING government and its respective authorities!

If Melita are making use of the same site and same clock used by the NECC, why kick them out?

More Double standards by MEPA. Mr. Prime Minister – please take note!!!

Jew ghal kulhadd jew ghal hadd!!!

Joseph Cilia

Jan 28th 2009, 12:08

Well both local council and the ministry should be ashmed of themselves to even think about allowing advertising to be made at city gate facade.

Also its very funny to read that Melita had the ministry blessing for this.

Adriana Fenech

Jan 28th 2009, 12:07

What about those men selling il-hobza Maltija and fattening doughnuts at Putirjal?
aren;t those an eyesore too?

And perhaps the authorities should consider building bathroom facilities for the dogs who use Putirjal to relieve themselves - the stench shows that there is a high demand for bathrooms @ Putirjal, both for 2 legged and 4 legged creatures!

c rizzo

Jan 28th 2009, 12:06

how can anyone say it was tasteful to advertise in this manner?
it was not only done without any sense of taste but was hideous too!
if it was the new city gate would the permit have been approved too??

Melvin Sapiano

Jan 28th 2009, 12:05

Funny….if Lands Department falls under the Ministry of Finance i.e. one and the same body, how come the same people who threw Melita out of City Gate are also accepting Melita’s money??? Only-in-Malta.com!

d briffa

Jan 28th 2009, 12:05

What a mess .. what the hell is going on in this country..

Can we finally have only one line of thought..

Every entity is simply applying its own rules..
Can someone simply say who should be giving the go ahead for such advertising..

If I was a Valletta local council member.. I would sue MEPA for the money that I would be losing from such advertising..

And melita should sue either the ministry or valletta local council for giving them an invalid permit since by removing the adverts earlier than they had planned they could have lost potential customers..

geraldine debono

Jan 28th 2009, 12:02

And I guess tal hobz u tad-dognuts are ok at our city gate..... !!! funny

R.CARABOTT

Jan 28th 2009, 11:59

Shame.... Shame.... Shame.... for Melita for their bad taste and the the Ministry and the Valletta Local Council for their approval

Micheal Spiteri

Jan 28th 2009, 11:55

Valletta City Gate has been used in this manner for several years. I can't understand why Melita were forced to take the adverts down just days before their product roll out. Actually Valletta City Gate looked better in blue......

Herbert Guillaumier

Jan 28th 2009, 11:48

This is a Pajjiz tal-Mickey Mouse

Abel Abela

Jan 28th 2009, 11:43

Pajjiz tal-mickey mouse -
It's no longer enough for government, political parties, agencies, corporations, businesses and what's not to invade and control our limited public spaces with all the billboards and advertising around, now they have to drape landmark buildings too - and it's city gate at that.
Or should we say thank you to the people who decorate Putirjal with their giant posters and publicity thus hiding the horrendous neo-fascist monstrosity we have permitted since independence in 1964 to be the entrance to the baroque Unesco world heritage site capital city of Malta.
This surely must be the ugliest main entrance to a capital city on earth.
I' m wondering if Mr Renzo Piano got a chance to see this?!

Michael Gatt

Jan 28th 2009, 11:40

Why are the authorities creating problems for companies who invested in new infrastructure and created employment? Are we serious?

Karl Vella

Jan 28th 2009, 11:21

@Mario Brincat
Spot on!

I was recently on a trip to Venice and the world famous Ponte Dei Sospiri and Doge's Palace were completely covered in adverts from an Italian car manufacturer. You can check this out for yourselves: http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliancontreras/2924051691/

Such advertising brings revenue to local councils to be able to improve their town/city.

And I honestly believe that city gate with tasteful advertising like Melita's looks much better than without.

Re MEPA and NECC that's an interesting point too !!

K. Serracino

Jan 28th 2009, 11:12

I hope that now they will remove those shanty kiosks as well....

P.Cassar

Jan 28th 2009, 11:08

THERE ARE TWO NEGATIVE ASPECTS HERE

IF MELITA HAD A PERMIT FOR THIS WHO IS/ASRE THE PERSON/S BEHIND IT AND WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW

IF THERE WERE NO PERMITS WHAT FINE IS MELITA GOING TO PAY BECAUSE EVEN TODAY' PICTURE AND PERVIOUS COVERAGE ON THE TOPIC ARE CONSIDERED, IN COMMERCIAL CIRCLES, AS FREE PUBLICITY

FINALLY GOOD WORK BY ' THE TIMES '

victor vella

Jan 28th 2009, 11:06

They are all going crazy thats for sure, Last week the Go Mobile , mobile office was parked in front of Vodafone's Paola Branch thank god for competition. can we have the same on other things please

R Agius

Jan 28th 2009, 11:02

Much ado about nothing. I reckon it looked better dressed - at least it camouflaged that horrible entrance!

Greta Fenech

Jan 28th 2009, 11:01

So this happened with NECC clocks? but of course....MEPA closed an eye for that one!!!

lgalea

Jan 28th 2009, 11:00

Rodney Testa, A Fenech
Agree 100% with you.

Eric Galea

Is that the way to treat the entrance to our Capital City?
Melita hang their wires and boxes to peoples property without any right whatsoever and now they even have the gall to do this!
Who do Melita think they are?

Eric Galea

Jan 28th 2009, 10:58

@ Christian Farrugia

The Concept is still the same... the same banners... the same clock count-down etc...

J Camilleri Baron

Jan 28th 2009, 10:51

I actually prefer City Gate with this branding on it....The Gate itself is horrific.

Another freaky action by MEPA.....i guess

@MEPA Chairman:
How are you responding to the claim below that NECC was not covered by any permits to do exactly the same thing?

Is it another case where MEPA applies double standards? Is a government event above the law? Shame on you

Mario Brincat

Jan 28th 2009, 10:49

what is wrong with us? it's a recession...businesses are closing down....people are going bankrupt....losing their jobs....hen some brave investors invest millions of pounds here, create over 140 new jobs, push down the consumer prices in the market....and we do this for what? for four days? ara vera hawn min m'ghandux xjaghmel ta.... mela the gate was not damaged, the company had permits for sure...there's no way in hell i'll believe that melita did not seek a permit for these...and then cause some people decide to ride on their high horses and because Enzo Piano is visiting we do this...ridiculous.... and two weights two measures cause that clock was used in exactly the same way for the euro changeover.... u le...

Marion Zammit

Jan 28th 2009, 10:47

What if no permits were issued? I would make Melita pay heftily for every day they put the billboards there... and maybe use the money for a good cause, like cleaning the Gate!

Paul Pace

Jan 28th 2009, 10:46

@ Rodney Testa
Well done to The Times,
What would have happened had the daily remained silent?
Are the authorities concerned not aware of such shameful and shocking advertising?
Renzo Piano sorry. I am sure you were mad when you see this.

anton pizzuto

Jan 28th 2009, 10:45

Rather than welldone to the authorities, I say well done to The Times for highlighting the miserable state of the entrance to our capital city. It should not take a newspaper to point to the shambles that is city gate. Thousands of Maltese use this entrance daily and few if any complain about the dirt and the street vendors that turn it into a flea market !

Alex Spiteri

Jan 28th 2009, 10:45

since we're in the mood to remove things at city gate, why don't we also remove that pathetic 'artistic' exhibition in the freedom square!

Christian Farrugia

Jan 28th 2009, 10:36

@ Eric Galea

No it's not the same concept at the Euro, Melita's aim was to promote their services against the services of competition. The Euro thing wasn't exactly "advertising".

Rodney Testa

Jan 28th 2009, 10:30

@d briffa
As you well said: "The city might be historic.. but the gate is not!!"

I believe that anything that is to be done in Valletta should reflect it's history not todays lifestyles and what's not, like it's gate, should be restored to reflect it's identity.

A Fenech

Jan 28th 2009, 10:29

Picture clearly shows City Gate structure is in need of some cleaning. How about making Melita, or whoever authorized their setting up of promotional posters, pay for such cleaning.

Eric Galea

Jan 28th 2009, 10:26

Why all the holabaloo? Some weeks before the Euro was introduced City Gate had the same advertising regarding the introduction of the Euro... how come the Authorities ordered Melita to remove the advertising material from there? Isn't it the same concept as the Euro? ...!

d briffa

Jan 28th 2009, 10:23

I guess that Melita have surely sought the necessary permits before hanging the posters..

so how are the permits are now being revoked after they were approved!!

Is pressure being applied by some other competitor .. since this competitor's marketing team didn't come up with such an idea themselves for first!!

By the way.. in the background i can see more billboards.. have those been removed as well!

The city might be historic.. but the gate is not!!

Rodney Testa

Jan 28th 2009, 10:17

Well done to the authorities. Valletta is gift of history which we need to treasure and conserve.

I do not blame Melita for advertising there since their intention is to attract business but I wish to know how in the first place they managed to rent that space and if all was in accordance with the law.