I am a senior citizen and a firm believer in active citizen participation in all projects which safeguard our environment.

So I hurried to the Gzira local council to collect my bags and start doing my bit for the environment. Imagine my surprise and anger, when I was informed that, 'no bags, call next week'. Not even a 'sorry'.

Why fix a date if you are unable to honour it? It seems no one does his homework in this land of ours.

Why should citizens be treated so shabbily? In my opinion, this attitude stems either from total disrespect towards the citizen or downright incompetence. Either way, my advice to all out there is to speak up and do something about it. It is up to us citizens to change this mentality and demand the respect we deserve from public servants.

And, please spare me the usual stock reply that it was not our fault but others are to blame. It does not convince anyone.

Joseph Grech

Gzira