I refer to the recent tragic death of a Romanian man, killed by a tree that fell and sliced through his car in Mdina Road, Mrieħel.

The decayed tree collapsed as a result of the strong winds. This incident is a reminder that vigilance by the authorities concerned should be constant and unremitting.

We are now informed that ELC is examining all the trees in the stretch of road where the accident happened and has identified at least 10 more trees that need to be pruned or uprooted. We are always wise after the event. Why was this maintenance job not done before the accident happened? It was very evident to many, even those with untrained eyes, that some of the trees were in a very bad state of deterioration.

I am attaching a photograph showing three trees in Tal-Balal Road, limits of San Ġwann/Naxxar, that seriously need very urgent attention. Another photo of a group of trees of the same species taken on the same day and locality shows how healthy trees should be.

I’ve been observing these three impaired trees for more than a year and have noted their deterioration over such a short time without receiving any attention from those responsible. As far as I can conclude they are of the same species as the one that led to Dan Udrea’s death. They are also quite large. Moreover, they are situated in a stretch of road where traffic flows at all times of the day.

I urge the authorities to check them and take urgent action to avoid another possible accident.

The latest tragedy should highlight the need for frequent inspections and ongoing maintenance work by those responsible.

The planting of new trees (where appropriate, of course) is an important objectiveand exercise but equally important istheir upkeep.