On the dot

Gas cylinder delivery truck drivers honk their horns during weekdays and weekends, waking up the residents of the streets they pass through. People, however, are aware of the day and approximate time in which deliveries are made, so there is absolutely no need for this cacophony which, coupled with the noise made by the cylinders, is very distressing. Whether the noise occurs early in the morning or at any other time is not an issue.

Binned

Hefty, neat, black bins for roadside rubbish have been introduced. These have a greater capacity than the ones they have replaced and are lined with a zinc pail removed for emptying. This means the volume of rubbish thrown away, and the inherent weight of the container, amount to a heavy load, which can be seen taking its toll on the garbage collectors. How long will it be before the bins lose their shape?

Smoking

Smoking in public places is prohibited by law. This, of course, includes bars, pubs, diners and restaurants. Yet, patrons may be seen still puffing away and this not only where there are signs indicating the eatery has a designated smoking zone. One wonders whether the police and the health and safety authorities slap fines on customers solely on whim.

Parking

During Pope Benedict XVI's visit, certain roads were practically scraped clean of parked vehicles, which, logically, must have found other places for the duration of the visit. Yet, these cars, vans and trucks are now back where their owners think they belong. In some places, this means that people have to use the streets to walk because parking is done on pavements with rear ends of vehicles backed up to the walls of houses. This is unfair on pedestrians.

Unheard

Sometimes, householders think they are "lucky" because they manage to get through to Water Services Corporation after interminable phone calls or because they receive a reply to their e-mail. However, this may not be the case at all. "Thank you for your enquiry. Kindly rest assured that we will do our utmost to get back to you with a reply, as soon as possible, so as to assist you in the best way possible. Thanks for your cooperation and understanding" turns out to be a stock reply because three requests for a meter-reader to call, the first of which was sent over a month ago, remain unfulfilled.

Risky

Some irresponsible parents are seen driving their car with their toddlers standing dangerously on the front passenger seat leaning out of a half-opened window. Their excuse is that the child "makes a scene if he is tied down". Pets too, especially dogs, are seen hanging out of car windows and here the excuse is that "they love the feel of the wind in their faces". It would be interesting to find out whether these careless drivers are fined for their negligence.

Chaotic

Speaking of careless driving, doesn't the public deserve an explanation as to what exactly caused the collision between a mechanical excavator on a lorry and the Marsa footbridge last week? Was it a matter of negligence or what? Will the public ever know? And if it were a case of negligence will there be an arraignment and a law suit to pay for damages caused?

VAT-able?

A restaurant at Qormi does not include VAT in the price of each item on the menu, thus leading diners to assume that what appears is the full and final cost of the item. Yet, VAT is added to the bill presented at the end of the meal. Is this normal practice? Is it allowed by law?

Charged

A client of a reputable exchange outlet in Valletta acquired 500 kuna notes for €74.86. A week later, the unspent notes were returned to the same outlet but only €62.01 given in return. For this particular transaction, therefore, the outlet in question made a profit of €12.25. This is indeed "making money" and good money too!

Protocol

During Pope Benedict's visit to Malta, a lady, who appeared to be Maltese, could often be seen very close to the Holy Father, even giving directions. Most of the time she could be spotted walking in front of both the Pontiff and President George Abela, especially during the arrival and departure ceremonies. One wonders whether that is in line with protocol.

Noisy

To stick to the Papal visit, what a shame it was to spot a senior Cabinet member, stand out and address somebody in a loud voice as all invited guests were seated awaiting the arrival of the Holy Father. Some of the dignitaries present were evidently embarrassed. Such behaviour is unbecoming in a person invited to attend such an event, let alone a government representative. A public apology would be in order.

Blitz

In a concerted effort, certain areas of the country were given a revamping and others got a lick and a promise. It would be a pity were the momentum of this intensive operation be allowed to dwindle into nothing. The parts of the country that were left out of the sprucing-up exercise may as well be seen to now, before the summer that brings with it the usual apathy.

Pressing

It is good to note that President George Abela accepted to meet the victims of sexual and physical abuse committed by members of the clergy at St Joseph's Home. However, one hopes it will not stop there and that justice will be done as soon as possible. The case has been going on for quite some time now.

Accountability

The term accountability, not to say anything about transparency, has been given a new meaning by the powers-that-be following the publication of the Auditor General's report on the Delimara power station extension contract. What an insult to the people! Is that the best the Prime Minister could do?