The story published in this newspaper, regarding the filthy state of affairs in the stands of the Tal-Qroqq National Pool, is symptomatic to our attitude towards cleanliness and hygiene.

Put simply, we are an absolute contradiction in terms. The photographs of the seating area at the pool beggar belief. To put it bluntly, one could make out bum shapes in the grime. As soon as we published the story and photograph, readers called in to thank us for doing so as the seating area may finally get some attention and they will stop “getting our clothes mucky”.

But this is, as we say, symptomatic. The photographs this newspaper published two weeks ago, showing the dire state of affairs in terms of hygiene and cleanliness in Marsa, were another indication of just how schizophrenic we can be. The examples are all around us. A recent Facebook thread has pointed out that the flags on Gozo Channel vessels are actually yellow and grey, rather than yellow and white.

But what is even more bizarre is the simple fact that we have so many other areas that are kept beautifully and spotlessly clean. Our squares and our flower beds make the islands look so pretty, especially during the spring. But how can we reconcile this ‘fanatical’ cleanliness with our propensity to then leave other areas in such an appalling state?

Some might argue that the street in Marsa which we featured is in the back of beyond. But the terraces at the Tal-Qroqq pitch are not; they are part of a sports complex which is used on a regular basis and by many. How can the authorities charge people an entrance fee of €3.50 and then give them filthy, dirty and grimy facilities which one would not even expect in a free entrance venue?

One supposes that this weird behaviour is a throwback to a saying from some time ago, in terms of Maltese houses being absolutely spotless, but everything else is filthy from the doorstep onwards.

We have changed, and we have become cleaner and tidier, but we must realise that we cannot do things by halves. We have made massive progress in terms of caring for the environment, but still there are big blemishes. One cannot, for example, understand how people still willingly dump things outside, when there is a very efficient door to door bulky refuse service, which will even take appointments.

Equally, one cannot understand how people can dump stuff outside when we have very efficient bring-in recycling plants. Some people do use them, and use them correctly, but those who work there are often left flabbergasted by the attitude of some people who do make use of the facility, but refuse to sort their waste.

Yes, Malta has changed a lot from the grimy 1980s, but still we have a lot left to do. It is the usual problems that are holding us back, lack of holistic planning and the attitudes of some individuals who have no respect for our living space and recreational spaces.

To end on a note of chastisement; the authorities should really clean up the seating area at Tal-Qroqq: It’s absolutely filthy.