In Malta it does not rain throughout the year, nevertheless every year particular areas are flooded by heavy downpours.

Perhaps it is not generally known that the lower areas of Vittoriosa and Cospicua, namely St Lawerence Street and Paolino Vassallo Square, become torrents of water during heavy rains.

Rainwater from high grounds near the Notre Dame Gate, St Edward’s College, Santa Margerita Hill and Cafe’ Riche finds its way to the low lying grounds at Vittoriosa and Cospicua, making it impossible for pedestrians to pass through, and dangerous for traffic.

Maybe some rainwater could be diverted and channelled through existent natural land depressions into a reservoir that can be built in the valley below De La Salle College. Inadequate water catchments get obstructed with the first plastic bottle that lands itself in the opening; old and new silt, stones and dead leaves complete the blockage.

The few culverts on the side of the buildings also need a thorough cleanup of accumulated silt and dirt besides being enlarged so as to cope with the volume of rain water. One, preferably two new culverts along the width of St Lawrence Street would channel storm water in the disused reservoir below.

It is heartening to notice the Resources Ministry has committed itself to alleviate the flood situation in several areas of Malta; hopefully, Vittoriosa and Cospicua will not be overlooked – the residents and pedestrians deserve better.