We are a few days from August, so whatever time Malta considers to be the “tourist season” (some think of it as the “power-cut season”) can’t be far away.

And, yet... and yet... the main road to the beaches at Ħondoq, Ramla and San Blas remains closed to traffic right from the start of Għajnsielem.

And, as far as it’s possible to tell, virtually no work has been done on it since the old crumbling surface was ripped off.

The short bit that is open is no more than a dust bowl.

This also happens to be the main road to the villages of Qala and Nadur (“a European Destination Of Excellence”) and the alternative approaches are woefully bad – as they have been for about 40 years.

Some months ago, the minister, never one to miss a photo-opportunity, “inaugurated” a few feet of tarmac. Then he, and the workforce, left the scene.

I am unsure what the Minister for Gozo is supposed to do, to earn his crust.

Perhaps he is also unsure.

All we see is a man who would turn up (late) for the opening of an envelope, to get his picture in the papers or on a website.

I have toyed with the idea of inviting him to officiate at the opening of my fridge.

What he doesn’t appear to do (unsubstantiated allegations apart) is anything for the electorate in his constituency.

But, in that, I suppose he is simply maintaining a long tradition at the ministry.