The authorities took welcome swift action to curtail the area on main beaches used by commercial enterprises, such that a substantial area was freed for families who do not wish to hire from commercial enterprises, but want to put their own umbrellas and small camps. Għadira Bay probably benefited most from this initiative, which should and presumably will be repeated all over the islands of Malta and Gozo in due course.

Malta is no longer primarily a sun, sea and sand destination. But the three attractions still form an important plank in Malta’s tourism promotion. Leaving space for individuals will benefit the locals, who are more likely to take their own gear with them to the seaside. It will also benefit tourists who wish to do their own thing.

That is not to say that commercial enterprises should be cast away or unreasonably discouraged. They perform a valuable service and even sun seekers who have their own umbrellas may need to use these from time to time.

A good balance needs to be struck. There also has to be proper enforcement, such that delineations are not simply marked in the sand, only to be washed away by abuse. Enforcement is half the job done.

The authorities also have to take time to view the rest of Malta, not just its beaches. The reality is that the island looks unkempt; a beautiful lady who does not bother about her looks.

It is not just that the roads remain in a terrible state. Dirt is all over the place.

Efforts to educate the popu­lation to separate rubbish, for instance, are only working to a limited extent.

This is not an area for the Malta Tourism Authority to handle. But different ministries and authorities need to coordinate their actions such that measures are taken on a holistic basis. “One for all, all for one Malta” should be the simple motto.

There also has to be proper enforcement, such that delineations are not simply marked in the sand, only to be washed away by abuse

I am sure that the Transport Authority performs important functions. But, from where I stand at least, it seems to be focused mainly on the public bus service provided by Arriva.

That is certainly an important objective to handle. Two years into Arriva’s life the government inherited a company which was still largely in shambles. It says much for the vim and vigour of the minister responsible for transport that he is so concentrated on getting Arriva into shape. One understands the time and attention he is pouring into it, which still leaves him time to buzz around to see that projects which have fallen behind their timelines start catching up.

But, with Arriva eventually taking less of his time, the minister can spread his efforts to other tasks.

One thing which, again, requires the cooperation of various ministries and departments and authorities is an urgent clean up of the whole of Malta and Gozo. Get as many public sector workers out on the job as early as can be. They will be visible and the public can keep track and comment on their progress or otherwise.

Part of that offensive, I think, falls to Transport Malta. It concerns the signings on our roads and streets. What signings, one might ask? They have practically been washed away and it is a miracle that more accidents do not happen in their marked absence.

Fact is that we don’t paint the signings properly. Elsewhere good systems exist which leave road and street signings in place, no matter how much rain falls, no matter how much the sun shines.

That should be possible in Malta too but no government has got round to it. Having waited so long we can wait some more time and see the roads painted under the old system.

Imagine having a substantial number of painting teams out across the islands. They will light up the road environment and reintroduce a much needed margin of safety.

There is much that needs to be done and can be done. It should be taken in hand straightaway, with responsibility for implementation and coordination given to the Transport Minister, Joe Mizzi. He is one of those showing he has what it takes to succeed.

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