Editorial

Taking care of the island's upkeep on a regular basis is by far one of the island's most persistent problems. Malta has been able to make great strides in its social and economic development, successfully diversifying its economy and building up the institutional infrastructure necessary to sustain development. Politically, it has made considerable headway, too, leading to becoming a member of the European Union and even adopting the euro as its currency. Yet, no government has ever been able to handle the issue of cleanliness and general environmental upkeep on a professional basis. Considering the size of the problem, the general upkeep work that is done falls far short of what is required.

To be fair, the Labour Party has been out of government for so long now that it would be unreasonable to blame it for the disgraceful situation the island finds itself today though it, too, had no clue how to handle the issue in its time. But the Nationalists have had more than enough time now to tackle the problem properly if they wanted to.

The issue over the island's upkeep is, or should be, of so fundamental importance to Malta that it is most strange that it is relegated to the bottom, if at all, of the government's agenda. The Administration, and particularly the ministry supposedly in charge of cleanliness and general environmental upkeep, would probably deny this with all their might but their denial is worth very little against the mountain of evidence that shows sheer neglect and wanton indifference.

Despite repeated declarations to the contrary, the Administration has not yet really woken up to the harm the outright neglect so prevalent all over the island is doing to the country's image. What is it that makes the island and its administrators, including a string of local councils, almost immune to the problem? Is it because we have all grown so much accustomed to neglect that we do not even see the problem? How can we continue to talk about the island as a tourist destination when there does not appear to be any willingness to take care of the island's upkeep in the first place?

Forget all about the declarations of intent and the photo opportunities, what matters is the kind of action that ought to be taken on an ongoing basis to spruce up the island, not just the pockets close to prime locations but everywhere. Is it too big a job to do? It is hard to believe there could be anyone in charge of the island's cleanliness and general upkeep. If there is, the set-up is hopelessly inadequate and there would seem to be no interest at ministerial level either for action to remedy what must rank as a very serious problem.

The sight of so much neglect is depressing and most shameful. So many boundary walls are knocked down that tourists visiting the island must think we have been in a state of war! Just step out of the main roads and see the rubbish piling up in corners, slabs of stones lying about here, there and everywhere, dry weed sprouting out of centre strips, broken pavements and kerbs, traffic signs dislodged or knocked down, potholes and so many other eyesores. Whatever happened to the inspectors who were supposed to draw up a list of places requiring maintenance?

The job needs a first-class trouble-shooter, controlling an army of cleaners and maintenance men. Get rid of two or three superfluous quangos and instead use the money for the island's upkeep.