After some lengthy discussion, I let my wife talk me into going for a drive in the country one fine afternoon. Having some errands to run in Qormi and Siggiewi, she suggested we take the road to Girgenti and go for a stroll once we were over the hill close to ta’ Zuta Bronze Age village site.

Not that the state of the road was anything to speak of; but it worsened considerably beyond the Prime Minister’s retreat house. The yellow/red quarry face on either side of the road made for a lunar landscape. Nearing the bend, at the top of the hill, the road became horribly bumpier. The place hasn’t seen a blessing in donkey’s years.

As far as I am aware, we have, or had at some point, a set-up to provide for the maintenance of the countryside, however, this organisation is evidently either chronically ill or defunct. Rubbish, tiles and building debris were all over the place. Moreover, it’s unfair that Transport Malta Authority, in this case, comes down hard on its citizens when it keeps roads, such as that by the cliffs leading to Dingli, in such a poor and dangerous state. I believe the area should be declared a disaster zone, with all roads leading to it being closed and repair work started immediately.

All central government departments and ministries concerned should make a combined effort with local councils and authorities [presumably Mepa and TM] doing their share, while quarry owners should also be obliged to play their part and assume their responsibilities in rehabilitating the site.

Then, sweethearts, young and the not so young, can once again hope to enjoy the stunning sunsets, in the tranquillity known to our Bronze Age ancestors.

I am very much against the popular idea that our country should be kept tidy because we depend so heavily on tourism. Our country should be well maintained because it is a jewel we inherited from our forefathers and which we are obliged to pass on to our descendents intact, and for no other reason.

Ramon Borg-Bartolo

SLIEMA