Smokescreens and exhaust emissions

I and many other contributors have had numerous letters published regarding noxious emissions, especially from buses and heavy vehicles. As a result, Daniela Borg Mizzi, public relations manager at the Malta Transport Authority, appeased us all with the reassurance that with immediate effect, this would be tightened up.

Most of us felt reasonably assured that the matter would be addressed immediately. And so it seemed, at least for a few months, perhaps, to keep us quiet.

I was concerned to read this week that no buses have been tested over the past months despite what I witness with my own eyes - excess fumes being emitted all the time. This only increases the health risks we face and adds to the cost of running our overworked medical services.

Earlier this year I attended a transport seminar at which Austin Gatt assured us that this issue would be addressed and public transport would be brought into the 20th century. I recall leaving the seminar feeling very uplifted that at last Malta was moving forward. Since then the silence has been deafening and we appear to be back to square one.

I suspect that the powers that be do not have the moral gumption to do what they know in their hearts to be morally correct and honourable as well as being in the interest of the vast majority of citizens.

As history has proven, in the long run, true leaders are remembered for acting on what they knew in their hearts and minds to be right and not in their own interests or to appease others.