In my continuing battle to prevent a monster building from going up in the last remaining open area of San Ġwann, I reported that there were two wells which, despite having been neglected for over 10 years, still hold perfectly fresh water. The report was made to the Ministry for Energy and Conservation of Water, no less.

I also e-mailed the minister to say there is an underground stream filling these two wells, which stream also supplies the underground water table.

The ministry came back and offered its profuse congratulations that a concerned citizen had taken it upon himself to point out such a precious and important issue. However, then it all goes haywire and we have an example of 1980s gobbledegook.

The wells are on private land so nothing can be done. (Yes it can; one only needs to make good use of one’s grey matter). If the ministry is asked for its input, then it might be able to see what the issue is. The Ministry for Water Conservation has full confidence that the other organisations/ministries will do whatever is necessary... In other words I was being politely told to go and knock on somebody else’s door.

I will not bother readers with the silly, irrelevant and dismissive excuses hurled my way. However, just a couple of days ago, Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella made an issue of the importance of water to tourism. Talk about deaf ears.

So the fresh water will all go to waste if the building goes ahead following the anticipated appeal by citizens. Meanwhile, 500 metres down the road the Government is spending oodles of cash... on building a water well!