It is really a shame that the Victoria local council, after much complaining and reminding, has still not remedied the miserable state of the two public ladies’ toilets in the locality. The situation remains unacceptable considering also that the flow of locals and tourists in the capital is considerable.

The bins are open whereas there should be hygienic pedal bins with a lid. No toilet paper can be found, most times. No hook or hanger where a woman can place a handbag or coat. The floors are not always as they should be, either.

It is ironic that one of these toilets is right next to the local council’s offices.

We are living in the 21st century and not in 1000BC. The Gozitans are rightly proud of their capital city. The improvements made are most commendable. I should perhaps specially praise the architects and engineers for the excavations and architectural embellishments at the Citadel.

But the ladies’ toilets in Victoria remain badly equipped and badly managed. This mundane human necessity should not go on being treated as a matter of small consequence. Keeping the place clean is a must but there is also the aspect of service to the public. I am told a cleaner goes there once a day after finishing (other) work and this is surely not enough. Public toilets require, by nature, a regular attendant and a decent set-up.

If it is a matter of funds, as it may well be, may I implore the authorities to provide a proper budget to cover the purchase of equipment, maintenance and management of public toilets in general. I again ask that the local council puts this item firmly on its agenda for the necessary action to be taken soonest.