Proposal for poverty relief

Over the years it seems that poverty has been constantly on the rise, not a simple issue at all to address. Poverty results not only in lack of food to feed one’s family but also lowers living standards in other ways.

Some households do not even have the basic necessities, such as running water, electricity, a shower or even a toilet. Shame on us, in this day and age, to allow these things to happen within these islands.

However, under every cloud is a glimmer of light, hope for the unfortunate, a chance for us to lend a helping hand – not by donating money but materials and labour. Governing bodies could set up a campaign by which a group of people could assess some of the current conditions lived in by people in the poorer parts of Malta.

Private companies, which probably have tons of dead stock, baths, toilets, taps, old tiles that are just sitting there doing nothing, could donate the unwanted goods to help the cause.

Other companies could provide pipes, wiring, electrical fittings or even tools – and most of all labour. Even the guy next door could do his bit for charity and lend a helping hand. I am quite sure a lot of us would not mind doing their bit, even if it means taking a jackhammer to dig up old drain pipes.

The media could help out by providing free advertising for all of those companies willing to take part in this project, which I am sure someone out there has already thought of but has not put to paper.

Some readers might think this is all a bit far fetched, but then again, so was going to the moon, which was much more difficult that laying a few tiles and installing a new toilet.

Anyone interested?