Here we are, approaching rapidly the high season, when we can expect the customary peak in tourism business. Unfortunately, we are also seeing a peak in the excavation business.

Now, the rule is that there is no building site excavation work after the end of June – in “tourist areas”.

These days, however, nearly everywhere (particularly here in Gozo) is a tourist area, inland as well as on the coast. But the authorities do not seem to recognise this fact.

Consequently, the sound of drilling, for example, here in Sannat, is drowning out the sound of visitors enjoying their poolside – or, maybe, they’ve flown the proverbial nest to settle elsewhere, where there is quiet.

One thing’s for sure, noise (and dust) do not sit happily with the objective of attracting visitors to what is billed online as “…the calm of Gozo – the place the Maltese come to relax. Ideal for a holiday.”

Maybe the MTA should have a quiet word with the Planning Authority on the matter.