Arrogant waste collection in Sliema

The contractor responsible for waste collection in Sliema apparently operates without supervision and with utter impunity as he goes about his business with a total disregard of traffic laws and without fear of any punishment.

The impression I get is that the council is powerless or simply not interested in looking after residents' interests. One-way streets mean nothing to the driver as he goes merrily along in a foul smelling truck which is badly in need of a good clean-up and along a route which is convenient only to him.

Every time I come across the truck it is driving in the wrong direction particularly along Sir George Borg and Howard streets. I am quite certain that these are not the only roads where the one-way traffic rules are being violated. Incredibly, on a couple of occasions, I have noticed drivers backing up to allow the truck to proceed! Many wonder why this waste collector is so blatantly arrogant.

I reported this problem, in writing, to the mayor, before his absence and twice recently, the last time explaining the problem to the recently installed executive secretary responsible for the council.

When I told her that I had reported this to the same clerk on another occasion it resulted that no logs are kept of these complaints and his response was that he had called the contractor! He was, quite obviously, disinterested. He certainly had nothing to verify the action he took.

There is, quite obviously, something very wrong with the management of the council and, as a Sliema resident, I demand better service from a council paid out of public funds. The residents are not benefiting from the system which was meant to improve local matters.

The residents, too, are not blameless because the vast majority do not bother to report these matters to the authorities concerned, preferring to waste their energies in complaining but not doing anything about it. Unfortunately, complaining is a very strong trait of our national character.

I completely disagree with the argument that nothing ever happens - constant and persistent pressure will make things happen. I do not think that the council has either the energy or the will to improve matters. It is time, therefore, for the ministry concerned to take the necessary action and ensure that the residents are getting the services they are entitled to and are doing their part.