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.
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Henry Calleja
Jul 16th 2010, 16:27
I agree completely with you Mr. Pace Bonello and all the bloggers writing hereunder. The Sliema Local Council should be ashamed at the way the garbage collection takes place in the area. First of all collection takes place round about noon when all streets are packed with traffic. Long queques of cars have to wait patiently behind the garbage truck for long minutes, smelling the bad odour that it produces. In all civilised countries garbage collection takes place during the night or in the very early hours!! It solves many problems and it is much quicker. When do we ever learn?
Dylan Olliver
Jul 16th 2010, 11:54
I agree fully with the letter of Mr Pace-Bonello and the comment of Mr Smith. The refuse collectors in Sliema are the ones who dirty the street. I saw one in Windsor Terrace running and throwing the bags with half the garbage flying out of the bags. The problem is that we don't have anyone to complain to. We have a local council in Sliema that is either hibernating, or asleep or totally dead !!!
c smith
Jul 16th 2010, 10:59
Not only that but i have also seen a garbage truck dump stuff outside our apartments (i thought they pick the garbage up not dump it back??) We also need to put the garbage out before 12 which i am fine with but then they sometimes only come fetch it at 4 5 and sometimes even 6 in the afternoon. Hot days and smelly garbage in the streets = disgusting!
I didnt even know there was a council in Malta if i look at sliema's rubbish strewn streets and weeds almost 30cm high growing out of the road and pavement, and also the pavement falling apart which has cause many people to get hurt!
So shocking...