As a general rule, people complain about street lights that are no longer functioning. However, exactly the opposite is the case on the Sliema Strand, opposite the Fortina Hotel. The fixture has become detached from the pole and hangs by its wire. This means that when the power is on, the lit piece is already unsteady and when there is even a slight breeze it waves to and fro. One fine day it will strike the pole hard enough to explode.
Identifying
The rumour on payment for identity cards has been scotched; nobody repeating it realised it would have made no sense for people unwilling to pay not having identity cards. It would be reasonable to expect the addition of visible details such as one's blood group and encoded ones for social security numbers. At a pinch, these could make double-checking of identities easier. One hopes this expensive procedure will eliminate all manner of voting documents and the Kartanzjan.
Numbering
It would be a good idea were all skip sites to be given a reference number, printed on the plaque that says "for domestic use only". In this manner, motorists or pedestrians who are not from the locality, as well as residents, could report overflowing rubbish to the relevant council.
Entranced?
There are mixed feelings about the three-month reprieve the entrance to the city built by "gentlemen for gentlemen" has acquired out of the blue. One hopes it came to pass because the government realises that most Maltese absolutely dislike all the plans set out by Renzo Piano. After all, the owners of the booths-turned-shops knew well enough they would eventually have to seek alternative premises and three months would not make any appreciable difference.
Blocked
The Inquisitor's Palace in Vittoriosa is now also being restored and conserved. Be that as it may, the edifice is still standing, perhaps because it is part of a whole block. One would have thought it was more urgent to repair bastions that appear to be in imminent danger of falling because, if they do collapse, the damage might well be irreparable.
Accidents
Whenever there is heavy dew on the ground and also when it rains, there is always at least one accident in the street leading to Sta Luċija, in the part between the Santa Maria Addolorata cemetery and the industrial estate. It is about time this accident trap were removed by laying a non-skid surface on the road. There are several traffic signs meant to stagger the flow of traffic, yet, they appear to be failing their purpose.
Customised
It sometimes seems that the more certain establishments pride themselves in vaunting their customer care department, the less they deliver. This despite regular complaints to the selfsame departments as well as in the press. Anyone who tries to call the Water Services Corporation and some mobile telephony, television or landline services providers, can attest to this. Customers would rather have their problems solved and their dignity kept intact than be met with a barrage of advertisements or inane music and passed from one staff member to another.
Learning
Yet another series of short courses for adults will be commencing come February. This time, all sessions will be held at the Lifelong Learning Centre, Msida, meaning that students who do not have their own transport will probably have to catch two buses to attend. Could not these courses be streamed on demand on a local website, after payments have been effected?
Stalemate
Nothing has been done with regard to shifting the impasse in the general area of Oscar Zammit Street in Msida. Cars still park by the traffic island and now the problem has been exacerbated because even vans are being left there. Moreover, in the same street there is a plot for which a retaining wall has not yet been constructed. This has acted as a signal to all and sundry that the place is a temporary landfill and huge quantities of rubbish are being thrown into it. How soon will it be before vermin begin using the place as a take-away?
Chilly
It does not make sense to bemoan the poor attendances at the Manoel Theatre when it is obvious that the patrons' needs are not being adequately catered to. There ought to be some kind of investment in a heating system because audiences find the intense cold distracts them from giving their full attention to the performance. A quick glance ascertains that most people would have kept their jackets or coats on.
Boundaries
People whose local councils and church parishes lie within different boundary lines have been saying they are forgotten by both. This meant that road repairs, tree pruning, street cleaning and other issues were neglected until the main areas had been served. Now that 16 localities will be getting administrative committees enjoying executive powers over a fraction of the budgets of their respective councils, a part of the problem may have been solved. One hopes that in some cases, some of the funds would be stretched to include at least one bus trip deviation from the main route to accommodate all those who have to walk for longer than a minimum distance to the nearest bus stop.