The Żabbar local council has deemed it fit to place five speed bumps within a 130-metre stretch in Alessio Erardi Street, three of which are less than 30 metres apart.

The last speed bump put in place is so inanely, senselessly and amateurishly constructed that it poses more of a hazard rather than a deterrent to vehicles driven over it. Those driving at a snail’s pace wobble dangerously over it and would overturn completely if they had to drive at a normal speed.

Less than 300 metres away there is a black spot which the council has been repeatedly asked to tackle, preferably with just  one proper and effective speed bump and a warning sign. The spot lies at the convergence of Xgħajra Street with Żabbar Road. The latter is a short stretch of road situated at a bend from the main thoroughfare (Xgħajra Street) that links Żabbar with Xgħajra.

This leads speeding drivers coming from the direction of Żabbar to have absolutely no view of what lies ahead. As no service road exists, cars emerging into the main thoroughfare from hidden driveways in residences located in Żabbar Road are regularly faced with vehicles being driven at them wildly at breakneck speed.

This issue is proof enough of the inverse priorities or two weights and two measures adopted by the council with regard to its constituents. It appears that whoever is in the mayor’s good books gets any amount of speed bumps installed as requested. On the other hand, common mortals are completely ignored and all their complaints left unheeded.

It seems that before a major fatal accident occurs at this black spot, nothing will awaken the council from its deep slumber to undertake the necessary preventative and effective actions.