I refer to Joseph Grech’s letter entitled “Disrespect towards the citizen” (TMID, 5 May) and would like to confirm that the grey bags for the collection of packaging waste were delivered to the Gzira local council on Wednesday, 30 April, in the afternoon.

Although there have been a number of teething problems in the initial stages of the project, as I am sure there will continue to be for the immediate future due to the scale of the undertaking, the Resources and Rural Affairs Ministry regrets any inconvenience caused to residents.

The ministry agrees with the correspondent that courtesy and respect towards the public is needed at all times; however one must inform the reader that such inconveniences are not due to disrespect but due to the fact that the initial phase of any project of this scale is likely to experience difficulties.

Dr Christopher Ciantar

Permanent Secretary

Resources and Rural Affairs Ministry