On the dot

There might be another reason why traffic moves away from Mosta rather than towards it. It is a shame that the parvis of such an attractive, historic building has been reduced to such a mess. Apart from being an eyesore, one assumes that the deterioration is causing serious damage to the whole structure.

Weeding

Weeds have already begun sprouting from between the newly-laid tiling underneath the Wignacourt Aqueduct in Notabile Road, Birkirkara, in the section in front of the Sacred Heart convent. If this is allowed to go on unchecked, all the money spent on the refurbishment will have gone down the drain.

Stonework

Despite several calls from this column, the destruction caused by time and weather to the elaborate Gothic stonework at the Maria Addolorata cemetery has yet to be put right. Is it possible that there are not any architecture students at the University, and stonemasons, who would be able to combine their talents in order to recreate the eroded archways at the entrance and fix the stonework of the church building?

Stairways

Meanwhile, one notes that many of the steps in the main flight leading to the church are covered with moss. This, and the fact that there are no banister rails on either side of the steps, makes descending them a very dangerous affair, especially when they are wet with dew or rain.

Lights

On March 30, the street lights were still on in the morning in Valley Road, Birkirkara and some side-streets. These were switched off at about 10.30 a.m., meaning that several hours of energy had gone to waste. This column has often suggested the setting up of a freephone number where the public could call and report such anomalies. If this is done, these incidences would surely become fewer.

Poetry

Since 2002, New York City has celebrated Poem In Your Pocket Day. This simply involves selecting a favourite poem, copying it down, and occasionally unfolding it during the day in order to share it with like-minded people in shops, workplaces, libraries or public places. This year, the day selected is April 30. It would be interesting to see whether any literary group - or section of the media - will take up this idea and act upon it.

Foodstuffs

Despite several complaints from this column, food for sale from open-air market stalls is still being offered without even a simple nod to hygiene. A case in point is the Żurrieq market, which, situated as it is only a short distance away from the bus terminus, has the added danger of pollution from vehicle exhaust possibly leeching into the foods.

Packaging

It is also pathetic to see that after the vendors of the flea markets have packed up and gone home, they leave behind them plastic and cardboard strewn all about the area, making life difficult for those who have to clean up after them. It is perhaps ludicrous to expect them to clear away their rubbish by taking it home with them. Yet, they could show some respect for the cleaners by leaving it all together in a heap at a set point.

Gasses

Hexagon House, in Marsa, was evacuated because there was a leakage of high levels of hydrogen sulphide, a potentially harmful gas. However, the fact remains that the incidence of asthma and other respiratory tract diseases in children in the area's primary school must rank among the highest on the island. Gases, by their very nature, expand to fill the space available. So it would be interesting to find out, as a corollary, how many children could have been affected. How often are checks done to see whether the level of pollution in the general area is increasing, decreasing, or remaining static?

Smokers

One wonders why the incinerators at St Luke's Hospital are being utilised again, despite having been ostensibly closed down after the migration of the general hospital amenities to Mater Dei Hospital had been completed. Could it be that waste generated at the new hospital is being transferred back to the old one to be disposed of? The public would relish an explanation. The tiny particles in the fallout from the smoke could indicate that the refuse is not being completely destroyed.

Dogged

Several dogs that have "owners" remain harshly treated and locked up in the dark, until they are needed for whatever nefarious business their owners decide is necessary. For starters, it would be a good idea to walk around certain areas, such as coastlines, at night, and raid any wartime shelters or abandoned buildings from where howling is heard.

Roadways

Many people heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing that the private sector will soon be involved in the construction and upkeep of roads. Some residents of secondary roads are actually hoping that, now, their streets might be included in lists for repairs that are actuated rather than presented in Parliament and then promptly forgotten.

Daytime

One is pleased to note that Earth Hour, which had had its first local mention in this column, was given a passing nod when it was celebrated across the globe. However, one would have hoped that the switching off of electric lights, whether or not they would have been replaced by candlelight, would have been more widespread. One does not expect Malta to come to a standstill for a whole hour but surely alternate street lights could have been switched off?

Lift-Off

We finally have a date - two years hence - when the Barrakka lift, set to connect Lascaris Ditch once again to the Upper Barrakka, will be completed. The Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation will be assuming responsibility for its construction, to the tune of €1.5 million, as well as additional funds being allocated towards the setting up of commercial outlets in a plaza at the ditch. Is it not a pity that it will not be inaugurated during Valletta's 444th year of existence?