Situation in Floriana

I was not surprised at all by the negative attitude of councillor Nigel Holland (Situation in Floriana, October 17) in reply to an earlier letter by Joe Cauchi.

Mr Holland was not re-elected mayor. Since the last election of the present council he has not lost an opportunity to criticise all that is being done for the locality by the council.

Contrary to what he has stated, the council is embarking on an interesting agenda not only to carry out embellishment projects in the locality but also to reach the socially emarginated strata of society.

The council has also carried out a good number of maintenance works which had been lacking in the locality over the past few years. For example, the rainwater culverts were recently cleaned after four years. In fact, over 90 bags of silt and material were lifted from the culverts.

As regards the Mall Garden, had Mr Holland followed the incoming and outgoing correspondence he would have known that the present council has given priority to this project and has been putting pressure on the authorities to embark on the lighting system for the Mall since the beginning of this year.

Now that the Malta Environment and Planning Authority has finally granted the necessary permits, the Ministry for Resources and Infrustructure has promised to follow progress closely. This proves that the present council is more than committed to deliver, and is striving to give the residents of balzunetta what they really deserve. Furthermore, lately a number of decorative planters were placed along Conservatory Street, to enhance the environment in this historical area.

Additionally, it has to be pointed out that the council has recently succeeded to obtain funds from the Archbishop's Curia for the necessary rehabilitation of part of the granaries, following an agreement reached with the ecclesiastical authorities about four years ago but never fulfilled.

Mr Holland is continually underestimating the work of the present council of which he forms part and is trying to give the impression that progress in Floriana was only registered during his mayorship so as to reflect negatively on the council's reputation, especially my own.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank my colleague councillors of good will for their contribution and efforts in their respective fields of responsibility.