It was recently announced that no excavation and demolition of buildings is to be allowed in the summer months. A couple of mornings ago, I called the Swieqi council to report heavy machinery digging a large plot of land just up the road. I was asked for the name of the street and was politely informed that this particular street was not in a tourist zone.

This is blatant discrimination as tourists can enjoy noise-free days while we locals have to bear the Hymacs happily digging away. On the other hand, there is some consolation for us locals. Tourists have to pay for this luxury of peaceful days while in Malta by paying double what we pay for our bus fares.

I still maintain that, for fairness’ sake, we should be treated as equals when it comes to noise pollution and payment of bus fares.