I thank Daniela Borg Mizzi, manager, public relations and marketing, Malta Transport Authority, for giving more publicity to the plight of senior citizens in Floriana by answering my letter (TMID 31 January) regarding the complaints about the switching off of the traffic lights in St Anne Street.

Unfortunately, she got certain points wrong. Just an hour before writing this letter, I had the misfortune to pass through one of the subways, the one nearer to the Lion Fountain and found it to be filthy and not worthy of a city of a country belonging to the European Union. Painting and replacing some tiles on the walls are not enough. I challenge Ms Borg Mizzi to come and sit on a wheelchair and try to go up one of the ramps.

What about people with weak hearts or suffering from certain impediments that are being forced to use what she terms the recommended type of crossing?

No, it is not true that traffic jams occur because of delays at the War Memorial junction. That is an excuse. Yes, I continue to put the responsibility on the Malta Transport Authority, or better still on certain of its senior officials, if a fatal traffic accident takes place because someone has to cross the street where he or she could not do otherwise.

By the way, who is to tell me what to do or what not to for the Floriana community? I can assure her that I enjoy the respect of everyone in Floriana for my voluntary work. I shall continue to defend the welfare of the Floriana community as President of the Floriana Senior Citizens, the largest organisation in our city, which embraces as members not only the elderly gentlemen and ladies living in our locality but also elsewhere in Malta. Finally, what the Malta Transport t Authority needs is better officials at its higher grades.

Simon A. Bonello

President

Floriana Senior Citizens