We Swieqi residents recently received a leaflet from the Ministry of Tourism informing us that embellishment projects will be carried out in tourism zones and that Swieqi will be one of the areas where some projects will be undertaken.

This is welcome news indeed because this is a town that has been forgotten for a long time.

CCTV cameras are to be installed and this will, hopefully, curtail the rampant vandalism which residents have long been suffering. However, vandalism and robberies are not the only dangers that we face on a daily basis. One of Swieqi’s top priority needs is a reconstruction of most of the streets, some of which would shame even a Third World country.

Triq il-Keffa comes to mind immediately. This road is a hazard to both pedestrians and motorists. The pavements are in a terrible state and impossible to walk on, push a pram or use a wheelchair. Although many cars and buses, including route buses, pass through it, one feels safer walking in the middle of the road than on the pavement.

The top of the road is very steep and badly banked. Driving through the stretch one risks overturning. Lack of funds is purportedly one of the reasons for its present condition.

It is sincerely hoped that, as promised in the ministry leaflet, the government will really do something to improve the quality of life of the residents.

Tourists only remain here for a few days, however, the resident community, which has invested heavily in purchasing property in the town, deserves to feel safe in the locality.