Pedestrians at The Strand, in Sliema, know how much foot traffic the pavement gets. There are three new blocks being built. The first (the Forestals site) is managed efficiently, with little or no inconvenience to pedestrians, despite being the largest of the three. The second (close to Square Deal) is not as well managed but in recent weeks has improved greatly. However, the third (close to Tex Mex) is a daily mess. Occasionally, the whole pavement area is flooded; the pavement is at times blocked, forcing pedestrians to walk on to the main road without any protection; wet cement can also be spotted at dusk with little signage; and pedestrians are also hit by flying cement. There is defenitely need for some enforcement there.
Reserved parking
Whose bright idea was it to take up valuable parking in Ħamrun, close to the football ground, with recycling skips? To make matters worse, one skip takes up precious space in a parking slot reserved for the disabled. Does the right hand know what the left is doing?
Continuous danger
Syringes have been seen in public spaces over the last few days. They are a danger to pedestrians and street cleaners. The two photos above and right show syringes spotted behind the church in Marsa and at the car park in Floriana. An intense information campaign should be launched to make users aware of the dangers dirty syringes pose.
Bureaucratic red tape
Why should the car owners eligible for a VAT refund on their vehicle registration tax have to apply every year? Once the department has cleared the applicants, why should they keep receiving an annual reminder? Isn’t this a waste of public funds and resources? There is still time to remedy the situation and make sure applicants are reimbursed annually without the hassle of having to reapply every time.
Blind exit
A road sign stands right at the eye level of drivers exiting Zerafa Street on to December 13 Road, Marsa. It is a danger to both outgoing and oncoming cars. Immediate action should be taken to either remove the sign completely or have it moved. There may be similar hazards elsewhere, so Transport Malta should have a good look around.
Ticket to ride
Written in huge lettering across at least one route bus is the following: “Take a trip to Valletta. Day ticket €.... only”. How misleading! If the ride is not free then the fare should be specified or else the lettering needs to be removed altogether.
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