I propose changing the name of Swieqi to Turdville.

Of course, I welcome alternative suggestions. Names like Dungtown or Poopville equally convey the message that, sadly, the main undisputed characteristic of this densely populated residential area has become the uncontrolled mass of dog excrement that befouls every pavement.

A fleeting visit to streets like Triq is-Sejjeħ, Triq il-Qasam and Triq il-Qatta will be enough to convince anyone that my proposed change is more than justified.

I have lived in the town formerly known as Swieqi for 20 years and the turds have never been so bountiful. And, yet, strangely enough, I have rarely seen a stray dog in all these years! Even stranger is the fact that all the people walking their pets appear suitably equipped with a (very visible but all-too-often empty) plastic bag. Much ado has (rightly) been made about anti-social antics of students in our town in summer but the anti-social behaviour by Swieqi pet owners knows no seasons. It would simply necessitate a stakeout by wardens in order to catch these lazy, dirty and disrespectful residents in flagrante (definitely not fragrante) delicto.

So let’s hear it! What will the Swieqi local council do about this? Resignedly raise its shoulders and support my name change suggestion or make a real tangible effort to curb this blatant abuse once and for all?