To celebrate the start of the new millennium, I bought myself a new washing machine - a treat considering that it has a capacity of 7kg, thus reducing my workload. We bought the machine from a company which, we assumed, had a guarantee of quality through its reputation in Malta.

In the beginning of this month it developed a fault and I had no alternative but to phone the company`s servicing department for a technician. They promptly replied that their technician would charge me Lm11.50 just for coming to my house, even if the machine has nothing. I found this too expensive and so I decided to hire a private technician.

The latter found out that the machine`s cross was nearing its final days and he informed me that he could do nothing as the agents did not stock that particular part. I called at the company the next day to check on this and it turned out to be true.

What a shame that a company like this does not stock parts for its machines! Do they expect us to buy new machines every time they develop a fault? It seems that the only solution for me is to buy a new washing machine as the one-year guarantee has expired.

Two things are certain. I will not `invest` another Lm300 in a washing machine as it seems today`s products are disposable, and, I will definitely not step foot into any of the company`s shops as it seems that their after-sales service is an absolute zero.