In a bid to create some sensationalism, the feature on Valletta’s paving (September 18) conveniently omits a number of facts already provided to the reporter of The Times.

As requested, the reporter was given information relating to the entire Valletta pedestrianisation programme and not simply Triq Melita. It took us two weeks to compile the data because the reporter demanded, for each of the 20 roads involved, a copy of the tender document, details of all the contractors and all their sub-contractors, work periods, expenses and disbursements .

For reasons known only to the reporter, however, he failed to communicate this to the public and chose to write only about Triq Melita, implying that it took 20 days to produce information on a single block.

He also failed to note that this particular road is heavily used by vehicles – delivery vans, residents and construction – entering and exiting Valletta and that the “stained and tired paving” is simply a result of continuous use and not bad workmanship.

It must also be noted that permits issued for the use of the road do not fall under Transport Malta’s remit. Triq Melita is, after all, a local council road.

With regard to the works on the footpaths, these are being contracted separately and the reporter is passing judgement on works in progress.

In the meantime, we rely on the public’s view on whether the massive paving programme for the heart of Valletta is upgrading the way the city looks or is quite as “crazy”, as The Times reporter seems to want to believe.