From Mr J. Magro

Although I do not blame politicians for repeating the same message and for the media to continue giving them space, citizens are more interested in what is being delivered out of the direct and indirect taxes they pay.

As an example, I would like to refer to the rotating message – that the government has decided to repair a number of streets in every locality. This work has to be carried out by the central government since the system of allocating funds to local councils is inadequate for them to carry out such big projects. It is well understood that about 90 per cent of the councils’ funds have to be allocated to contractual services that are part of their duties under current legislation.

I have taken the Zebbug local council to task about the miserable and shameful state of Mikiel Ang Sapiano Street in Zebbug, which requires thousands of liri to be constructed to a satisfactory level. The mayor replied that he has held meetings with the Minister but nothing further has been stated; I am more interested in what was decided rather than what meetings took place.

Since Minister Mugliett has been announcing his road programme for about nine months, I would like to ask him some direct questions:

• is Mikiel Ang Sapiano earmarked to be constructed to a satisfactory standard?

• when is this work scheduled to start?

• when is it scheduled to be completed?

• who will be the engineer in charge of works?

• what is the estimated cost of this construction (allowing for the now normal budget over-runs)?

I very much look forward to some straight answers. I do need to go round roundabouts since I do this everyday travelling around the island.

Jimmy Magro

ZEBBUG