• Slowly, but surely, the Piano Valletta entrance project is taking shape and parts of it are gradually being ‘unveiled’. The latest was the bridge, which seems to be narrower than the previous one and, apparently, closer to the original one. This has allowed the bastion on the left to be better appreciated after the facelift it was given as part of the project. However, old habits die hard and the hawkers that used to block the bridge in the past seem to have become a permanent feature that not even the great Renzo Piano can remove, as the above proves. Shame!
Palmed off
• Somewhat amazingly, at the national pool, a venue that should attract sportsmen and women, there are no bicycle racks. Owners are merely directed by security staff to chain their bikes to the small palm tree next to the entrance. This is hardly encouraging such a healthy form of transport or the growth of the tree. Are cyclists being palmed off?
Mobile rubbish dump
• This van has been parked in the same place right opposite Shopin Supermarket in Triq it-Turisti, Qawra, for the past 16 months. It is very dirty, rusty, with broken doors and unlockable. It had its licence renewed but it is indeed surprising how it managed to pass the VRT. This vehicle is evidently being used as a delivery ‘spot’ of fresh bread and as a rubbish dump. Is the local council happy with having a mobile rubbish dump in the locality?
No resting place
• Visitors to Xrobb l-Għaġin Park last Sunday were somewhat unimpressed. Conspicuous by their absence are benches, with not even a single one in sight. After a long walk, senior citizens need somewhere to sit and catch their breath while parents can relax and watch their children run around. Good features include information on fauna, the picturesque view that can be enjoyed every few steps and the tidiness of the place.
Clean passage
• Some subways, or underpasses, are at times simply unusable because of the state they are in, including the stench. The one close to the Lions fountain in St Anne Street, Floriana, is a case in point. Who exactly is responsible for the upkeep of subways? Is it the central government? Transport Malta? Or local councils?
Rubbish eyesore
• A country road off the Mrieħel Bypass is serving as a rubbish tip. Immediate action needs to be taken to clear it and not allow it to grow any larger.
Elapsed time
• This point has already been made here but it bears repeating. The traffic lights opposite St Cajetan church, Ħamrun, need some adjusting. The red light stays on for far too long. It is slowing down traffic unnecessarily. Will the mayor kindly do something about it if he feels this complaint is justified? If not, can he give a public explanation?
Beach clearance
• The photo above was taken last week and shows what Qbajjar Bay has been reduced to by the insensitive way 'beach cleaning' is conducted in Gozo. Note the exposed stone work on the steps, caused by the erosion of the once pebbled beach, in turn caused by what can more appropriately be called 'beach clearance'.
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