How long must we put up with Arms?

ARMS, which has undertaken the billing and customer services roles in regard to the water and electricity bills, is simply not coping with all the complaints. Every day horror stories emerge of people finding it impossible to receive any response (I speak from personal experience; I have been waiting for a reply for well over two months). It has now gone beyond a joke. This is not a political colour issue, it is total incompetence by those who are responsible.

The blame has to be laid at the door of the ministry responsible. Surely a trip to their offices would very quickly expose the state that the billing system has become, and it's a lottery. Bills seem to be dished out like confetti, with little or no time for the recipient to pay.

Letters from Arms personnel in the media have proved totally futile even when promises are made in print to look into particular cases. It is time for someone who was elected by the people to deal with and sort out the shambles. I think that the Ombudsman has a duty to act on behalf of the Maltese people.

The government is very lucky that we Maltese, although totally dissatisfied with the service, are still paying the extortionate and incorrect bills. I wonder what would happen if every citizen elects to make a stand.