It comes as a surprise when politicians speak about being serious on environmental issues and then national monuments, such as the Addolorata Cemetery in Paola, and San Anton Gardens in Attard, are treated with so little tact where conservation is concerned.

From the mere appearance of things, both suffer similarly from dilapidation in their overall infrastructure. Both national jewels are left without consistent management for years on end. No conservation programme seems to be in the pipeline. Tourists and locals alike visit both and, to the dismay of all, footpaths are in tatters, lighting has never been introduced, CCTV cameras are nowhere and no real seating amenities are found in most areas. Mother nature is let loose without any care for the human subject.

Politicians need to respect this national heritage and come up with a feasible programme, not only for the private quarters but especially so for areas where citizens are allowed in at any time of the year.

Our buried relatives at the Addolorata Cemetery deserve better.

People might be deceived for a short while with pre-electoral promises but thinking citizens would like a more pragmatic day-to-day approach through managing structures.