George Pullicino recently stated that his ministry had bought a number of new Pitkali crates to replace broken ones. I have a constructive suggestion to help ease this situation, which is to offer a one-month amnesty for the return of misused crates. These are to be found in domestic cellars, garages and on roof tops in the hundreds if not thousands. After the amnesty is up, these should be forcibly collected at a collection charge.
A start could be made with some of the hawkers and stall holders at the many open markets who display their wares in these crates. The non-profit-making company of Pikali crates should also be allocated larger premises to enable the efficient cleaning and washing of returned crates.