The saga of illegal buildings at Armier has been going on for at least 25 years. One could not expect the new Labour government to have them removed and take all the political repercussions this would bring.

I cannot understand what is wrong with Enemalta changing old meters to smart meters.

According to Enemalta’s policy, all meters in all premises should be smart, in the new system of meter reading and for safety reasons.

Let us not mix Enemalta issues with Mepa ones. Enemalta is not the entity that looks into illegal buildings.

The decision on Armier was just one of several shelved by the previous administration. Another was on the kiosks at Valletta’s entrance. The previous government had the courage to build a new Parliament and a new City Gate but did not have the courage to remove the kiosks. This will also have to be executed by this administration.

This government has had to take on the burden of several neglected decisions and has to be careful in taking them.

However, there may be an alternative. I suggest that a person responsible for each building should be officially recorded.

The buildings should then be allowed to stand until the death of the present owners (although with no rights whatsoever).

In the meantime they cannot be sold, change owner or be inherited.

When the present owners pass away, one by one, the illegal buildings occupied would be demolished. This would at least allow the present occupier to enjoy the building but by time they would all be demolished.

I think this would be the best compromise the government could make.