On the Dot...

The photograph shows liquid that had been used to clean engines and was then discharged onto the road from a boathouse beneath Ta' Xbiex Terrace, just ahead of a tricky bend in the road. It is a hazard to traffic and adds to the sea pollution.

Main Thing

Some time ago, works were under way in Main Street, Zabbar. The residents, of course, were very pleased about this. However, the joy for at least four households was rather short-lived. Last week, blocked drains necessitated clearing out and the workmen insisted that the problem stemmed from the inadequate precautions the road workers had taken in disposing of debris. Will there be any compensation for the bills these people have had to pay?

With A Smile

No doubt several people would like to donate more of their time to voluntary organisations - if they had it, or, to put it more bluntly, if they could get paid for doing so during office hours. So far, there is no scheme that effectively seconds human resources from the public service to NGOs. The sooner this is done, the better because each side would benefit, as would the clients of organisations if the services offered were more frequent or offered sooner.

Belt Up

Much ado has been made about children being made safer in vehicles by the introduction of seat belts in the back seats. However, this is one rule that certainly does not err on the side of caution. Children are still being seen driving sulkies and other types of horse-drawn vehicles which are totally out of place on busy roads, also in peak traffic times.

Red Alert

Since Christmas time, Russian teenagers claiming they are students in need of pocket money to supplement their studies have been knocking on doors in different areas of the island. In exchange for what they call donations, but what are actually fixed prices, they offer traditional Matrioska dolls, ballpoint pens, jewel cases and key rings.

Travelling Light

Are taxis not supposed to have their meters on, even for a short journey? One of them recently demanded Lm3 for the short journey from Palace Square to the Floriana car park. The clients complained and said they would not pay more than Lm2. The driver accepted and drove off happily.

Car Park

The owner of a large grey vehicle purposely revved up his car straight into a puddle on January 27 at about 2.50 p.m., in Canon Road, Sta Venera, by the side of the new Bank of Valletta premises. As a result, he drenched a pregnant lady who was carrying several bags and, therefore, had no way of raising her hands to protect her face.

Air Miles

It has finally been decided, and about time too, that since summer is the busiest time for Air Malta and related establishments, the staff at this entity will now work the same hours throughout the year. Now that the ball has started rolling, perhaps it is time for the public service to rethink its options as well.

Candles...

A vast amount of money was spent in making the Jesuits' church, in Valletta, a sight for sore eyes, from the drudge it had been. However, two Sundays ago at least 50 votive candles were lit by the chancel of the main altar and several more were dotted about in other different parts of the church. The paint atop the main altar is already peeling off, too; could not the whole section have been left in its natural state, as, for that matter is a tiny section behind the large statue at the very front of the church?

...In The Wind

Someone decided long ago to protect the Wignacourt Aqueduct, on the Birkirkara side. So, even when the arches they made are high enough for a vehicle to pass under, this was prohibited by means of two stones placed judiciously in the hollow section to serve as a warning of sorts. However, these have now been overgrown and are, therefore, hidden by weeds and motorists unfamiliar with the area often find out about the barriers when it is too late.

Cat Food

It is bad enough that the iron railings protecting the triangular patch of soil between St Christopher and Mediterranean Streets, in Valletta have pointed ends, likely to impale rash trespassers or over-curious children. A good section, just in front of the pillar box, has broken or been torn off and now there is easy access for wandering dogs, to this traditional resting place for stray cats, at all times, including times when the felines may be caught unawares, asleep. The situation should be remedied without delay.