Neglect

It is a pleasure strolling along the nicely kept Sliema promenade. Its Marsascala counterpart, however, evokes contrastingly different feelings.

Weeds have sprouted among dishevelled palm trees which plead for a drop of water. The festoon linking rusty lamp posts is never lit at night, making it impossible for the unaware pedestrian to discern dog litter fouling the promenade. Corrosive sea spray is peeling paint off railings. The list is endless.

In this country we have not yet realised the importance of maintaining finished projects. Until then, whenever I feel like going for a walk I prefer to face the parking problem and go to Sliema. So long as this, in turn, is looked after.