I fully agree with Oliver Mallia (August 13) regarding the vintage buses.
Why must we always give up what is sensible for our country? To be like others? Or is it only for the sake of having a change?
I included a comment in this sense, regarding buses, in the survey on transport carried out last May. But, unfortunately, this goes for other aspects in life, like houses, besides buses.
We have given up sensible home structures fit for our climate, such as small apertures, double walls and stone slabs for roofs. No wonder houses of character have made a comeback!
We have given up the sensible two-storey buildings.
Many houses all over the island have been pulled down and replaced by towering blocks of flats, which we don’t actually need and which, besides, give a dismal look to the rather narrow streets.
Those in authority urge all to take care and respect the environment.
That is very good indeed! But are they setting a good example by extending building zones and issuing permissions for towering monstrous buildings?
And then they celebrate when an “open space” is created! But, of course, there is a valid reason for celebration: open spaces have become a rare sight, unfortunately!
As for the buses, the old ones, like old houses, were built with our climate and roads in mind. Getting those huge, poorly ventilated, inadequate buses was a big mistake. Let‘s hope a bigger one will not be made this time!