Part of the pathway at San Anton Gardens is dangerously broken.

San Anton Gardens are the most beautiful gardens in Malta, an oasis of greenery in an urban sprawl, beautifully laid out with a variety of trees and flowers. They are a Grade 1 national heritage site and attract many visitors all the year round.

However, the state of the pathways is a disgrace and a danger to life and limb. Apart from the safety considerations one would expect more pride in maintaining such a place.

It is time for the competent authorities to have a good look at the walkways, in particular at the central pathway with the three ponds, which ends at the stairway leading to the President’s residence.

Near the two majestic Ficus macrophylla trees the pathway is dangerously broken by the roots, as can be seen from the photograph. The large holes and cracks on the surface are a potential danger to everybody, especially the elderly who may slip and fall. The area should be sealed off immediately and repaired without delay.

I think the best solution ultimately would be not to disturb these two magnificent Ficus trees or their roots but perhaps to build an artistic wooden bridge over the roots in that section of the pathway leading to the middle pond.

San Anton Gardens deserve to be maintained in a tip top condition and not to be left in its present state.