We refer to Frank Psaila’s article (TMIS, 10 September). It is ironic, to say the least, that Mr Psaila accuses the Birzebbuga local council of not replying to his claims on the same day and in the same newspaper when and where the mayor Joseph Farrugia gave the merited response. The council fails to comprehend the motivations behind Mr Psaila’s clearly unfounded claims. While the council definitely agrees that the waterpolo pitch is an eyesore, it reminds Mr Psaila that what he refers to is not council property but one leased by the central government to a private party – the Waterpolo Pitch Committee – for 50 years, as confirmed by an Act of Parliament more than five years ago.
Mr Psaila should best refer the case to the National Council for Sports for it to take action for breach of contract against the committee that originally signed the contract with clauses that stipulated appropriate conditions for the maintenance and continual cleaning of the pitch. On its part, the local council has left no stone unturned; it has even, in the public interest, entered the premises several times in order to clean an unbelievably yet repeatedly disgusting mess – the most recent time being only two weeks ago, with the mess at its summer worst.
On this issue, we deem it optimal that the central government takes urgent steps for the control and management of the pitch to be handed over to the people of Birzebbuga, under the jurisdiction of the local council. This would enable its development and use for sports activities rather than being left derelict and abused as it is today.
We wish to do away with any unnecessary reactive correspondence barking up the wrong tree and therefore intend to refrain from replying in the future. Nonetheless, we would still appreciate if in the first place Mr Psaila were to consult us regarding anything within the jurisdiction or capacity of the council. Provided only that comments are bona fide, they will always be welcomed by the mayor, vice-mayor and any of the councillors.
Joseph Baldacchino
Vice-Mayor/PRO
Birzebbuga Local Council
BIRZEBBUGA