I still fail to comprehend why government departments, corporations or institutions trouble themselves, and spend fortunes on their artistic, interactive web pages featuring a contact address, yet no one bothers or seems concerned to reply when information, reports or action are requested.
Case one: With regards the much-needed bus shelter at Porte de Bombes going towards Blata-l-Bajda. Despite such a hotspot (some 25-30 different route busses pass through), there is no adequate shelter from the elements.
Since May 8, 2007, and repeatedly since, with e-mails, mailed correspondence, or telephone calls (unanswered/engaged tone), I tried to draw the ADT's attention. The ramshackle remains available, a vintage from "an era gone by" offers no relief for the scores of commuters waiting there for their transport.
The only reply I got in 14 months (and it goes back some three months ago!) was that the mentioned bus stop shelter was a priority on the ADT's list. Today, the chicken-shack from the Iron Age is still the only "shelter" available. While just across, a useless, senseless, glasshouse is seen, but not used. No commuter in his right mind would alight from his bus and wait there for another going to the same direction!
Case 2: Some four months ago I e-mailed the Floriana local council regarding the pitiful state of the subways at St Anne Street and that at Porte de Bombes. These passageways are both in a frightful, foul situation, desperately in need of lighting and a scrub down. The Floriana crossing smells worse than a public latrine, forcing any venturing pig-headed pedestrian to wear a gas mask.
At the same time, the crucial tunnel at the Bombi has just two neon tubes for the whole 30 metres making it dreadfully dark during summer daylight, and frighteningly impassable after sunset or dark, cloudy days.
Crossing over has become a matter of life or death, any way you go!
Case 3: On June 5, I e-mailed the "Information Requested" page of the Malta Police Force regarding the issue of openly publicising drug use/abuse on a public route bus in Malta. Despite the site's claim that "you may receive a reply within three working days", no news was forwarded.
I did get a report/request serial number but no answer to my query yet. After a fortnight I phoned and personally enquired of the duty policeman as regards my inquiry. He did find my query on the list but could not help me as regards the matter of law. Instead, he promised to check it out with his superior and e-mail me the information "in a few minutes". That was a month ago. I'm still eagerly awaiting a reply!
Those who care to visit these websites will surely remain impressed with the mission statement, policies, or vowed strategy boasts, endowed with words like: "commitment, high-quality service, pledges and obligations", towards the general public or their customers.
Nice and fitting words. But just words!
Why do I bother, I sometimes rebuke myself.