Construction operators, hotel managers fined

Charles Micallef

Dec 10th 2011, 09:22

A few weeks ago, the Qawra Inn in Qawra suffered a problem with potable water and was closed down by the Environment Health Department. Some friends of ours along with a number of tourists staying the Hotel at the time were obviously moved out and a number of new arrivals found the Hotel closed and were left to fend for themselves when one would have expected that Malta Tourism Authority to ensure that the transition of the hotel residents and new arrivals to other hotels would have taken place with the minimum inconvenience for the Tourist, which after all is what is preached often but as this case proved, is seldom practiced. One also appreciates that closure was made in good faith and for the good of all was done within the letter of the law and without an ulterior motive.

My point is that while on this occasion the hotel picture and story of the Qawra Inn were published on the local press and on some even made front page, the name of Ta’ Xbiex restaurant that was recently closed down because of a similar problem, and to the detriment to nearby Ta Xbiex restaurants, was not made known to the public, and same goes with yesterday’s report in your newspaper that hotel managers and directors who were fined by the Gozo Court for failing to carry out risk assessments and fire drills. They were also accused of not appointing health and safety representatives.

Why is it then, that the authorities clearly persists with a policy of two weights and two measures, or does one have to assume that politics also play part in this role?

Joe Grech

Dec 10th 2011, 01:54

''A number of others were each fined €100 for not appearing in court.''
100 euros - THAT'S ABSOLUTE PEANUTS! No wonder the courts are in the opinion of most Maltese being reduced to farce!

Arthur Mortimer

Dec 9th 2011, 20:31

How about naming and shaming them then so we can keep away from these dodgy workmen?