On the dot

This hole in Sliema is located on a pedestrian footpath leading to the zebra crossing that links the large traffic island in the middle of the Ferries to the bus stop by the sea. Last week an elderly man was looking out for his bus as he was about to cross the road, stepped straight into the hole and took a heavy fall. He was lucky not to have been seriously hurt. And shame on the local council for failing to rectify this dangerous situation (this photo was taken yesterday) despite it have been reported to them more than once.

Wanted: Dr Dolittle

Since when are pedestrians and drivers expected to listen to hedgehogs? This sign was put up in Madliena a few weeks ago. It is good to try to create awareness of Malta’s wildlife but it is also important to get the right message across.

Wrong message

A news item on the TVM 8 o’clock bulletin some time ago highlighted some of the artists who will be visiting Malta for the Isle of MTV. One of the videos screened showed sequences of a fight between two teens, one of them appearing to be stabbing the other. A bad choice however you look at it.

Watchful eye

Is it compulsory for local wardens to be present to direct traffic whenever heavy machinery is in use on a road, especially if it happens to be an arterial road? At least on two occasions last month, building material was being unloaded from a big truck on St Joseph High Road, Ħamrun, at about 7am but no warden was in sight. Which authority is responsible to see that this is not done?

Lollipop people

Given the traffic deviations happening as a result of the December 13 road works in Marsa, would it not be a good idea to have lollipop ladies and/or gentlemen assigned to pedestrian crossings to avoid having to stop traffic for every single individual wanting to cross the road? The local councils involved could make a call for volunteers, as happens in many localities overseas.

High altitude indigestion

Some of the food served by Air Malta on its flights is simply inedible. Fare-paying passengers must wonder what makes the national carrier choose and accept this sort of catering. Does it go for the cheapest offer? It is not a question of type of food or quantity but sheer quality. A dish of supposed chicken and mashed potato on a flight from Germany last week tasted like anything but chicken and potato! Air Malta needs to have a very good look at its in-flight services, including the attitude of some of the cabin crew.

Missing the bus

A few days ago, the 5am ferry to Ċirkewwa left Mġarr eight minutes late. Upon arrival, the new passenger gangway was opened after about four minutes. Passengers who realised what was happening ran down the stairs, through the garage, and just made it in time for the 5.35am Arriva X1 bus to Mater Dei Hospital and the airport. Those who did not missed the bus and had to hire a taxi. A little coordination between Gozo Channel and Arriva could alleviate undue hardships and people having to take very costly alternatives. Is it possible for Arriva drivers to be directed to wait a minute or two when the ferry is slightly late?

Noisy pump

The owners of a semi-detached property between Il-Qasam and St Andrews Roads in Swieqi should invest in a silent water pump. For how can the owners accept the strange noise each and every time they make use of their water supply from their roof water tank? Such noise is undoubtedly illegal and should be stopped immediately.

Public inconvenience

One or two portable lavatories situated at St James Ditch, Valletta, possibly for the convenience of Arriva bus drivers, were removed, probably when restoration on the nearby bastion and guardhouse started. The end result is that it is not unusual to see drivers facing the scaffolding and relieving themselves when nature calls.

If you have any item for On the dot, send it to onthedot@timesofmalta.com. Kindly include all particulars especially a contact telephone number. Items are sent under the express understanding and condition that the editor may, and is authorised to, disclose any/all of the personal information mentioned above to any person or entity requesting the information for the purposes of legal action on grounds that such person or entity feels aggrieved by the item published.