Three recent events warrant and beg for comment from the man in the street and common mortals since it is probable that such people are very likely to be most involved.

The first event is the humane and humanitarian action by the health authorities to charter a hospital plane to transport a patient to receive medical attention abroad. I feel it is right and proper for the man in the street and for common mortals to know whether such a humane and humanitarian service is available to them as well, now. After all, it is the votes of these (underprivileged?) common mortals who grant privileges to other mortals.

The other two events involve actions and decisions taken by some local councils. The first concerns the annulment of contraventions regarding timed parking as prescribed by local councils.

The second consists in the action taken by the Lija local council against an individual who is exercising his sanctioned legal right. These two events ought to serve as an eye opener to the government as it contemplated the devolution of more power to local councils. Such events are typical of the parochial and provincial levels to which local councils can sink to, even to the extent of trampling on the rights of individuals. As the old Maltese proverb goes, “Who never wore trousers would defecate in the first he wears”.

I would like ask, for example, what is so special about the Lija fireworks factory, when some two decades or so ago, the three (not just one!) fireworks factories in my hometown, Città Rohan, had to relocate because of development.

Besides, one must also consider the fact – Heritage Malta please do take note – that the Lija complex includes a centuries-old chapel, which one assumes is Church property. Up till some years ago it was used to store fireworks, which I myself can confirm as I visited the place once or twice years ago. This proximity exposes the place itself to structural danger and prevents its use as a place of worship, as legally, it is out of bounds.

Assuming that it is still Church property, the spokesman for the Church who appeared on TV some months ago, ought to see that the Church puts some money where its mouth is. The same applies to Heritage Malta.

Frank Galea

ZEBBUG