Earlier this year The Times kindly published my letter and photograph of a ‘giant hole’ on Testaferrata Street and Enrico Mizzi Street in Ta’ Xbiex.

We are now in the height of summer and this area is infested with insects, horse flies and mosquitoes. I rarely suffer insect bites but this year I have already been bitten many times.

Medical advice tells me this is due to the perfect breeding area that this hole has created, with its green stagnant water and weeds. I contacted the Department of Health only to be told, after a lengthy musical performance, “Not our problem, call Mepa (the Malta Environment and Planning Authority).” This I then did and after giving a detailed explanation I was told it’s not their concern and to resort to the health department.

What a perfect example of passing the buck. I politely pointed this out to the person on the line but the line was shut off as soon as I mentioned I would resort to The Times.

I fail to understand why this area cannot be treated to halt this very serious risk to residents and elderly persons such as myself.