We would like to add to our complaints that appeared in the letter entitled “Parking problems for Gudja residents” (TMIS, 26 August).

Please note that for many years Gudja residents have problems when they need to use the facilities of Malta International Airport, which today offers a variety of essential services to the general public.

Gudja residents have two ways of getting to the airport. First, by risking their life, as they have to cross four lanes to the other side of the road where there is no pavement except a bicycle lane as seen in the photo (1a). The second is to use the secondary road that leads to the tunnel to the airport, as seen in photo (2a), that we think is part of Hal Rezqun (as there is no sign that indicates the name of the road). It shows from where people of Gudja walk to the airport. The problem with this road is that it has double yellow lines and no pavement on both sides, which makes it unsafe and more dangerous especially after sunset. Although over 20 years have passed, the local council still hasn’t put up the necessary street lighting. How can we use the facilities the airport provides, especially in winter, if there are no pavements or street lighting?

We would like to ask the council if it has applied to the MTA to install traffic lights in the area of photo 1a. If yes, I would like to know when the council applied and the answer from the authorities.

Regarding photo 2a, I would also like to know if the council has ever applied to install street lighting for part of Hal Rezqun on the way to the tunnel leading to the entrance to the airport. Mr Mayor, the residents are waiting for an early reply.

Due to lack of parking in Hal Rezqun area, as seen in photo (3a), people are parking their cars even on the emergency road throughout the year. In the evenings, in summer, this area also serves as a picnic area, as people park their cars there and leave their litter such as plastic bottles, beer cans, glass bottles and scraps of food behind. This litter attracts rats, which in turn can cause health problems.

This area needs urgent attention. This illegal parking must be curbed because in cases of serious accidents how can one find the owners to move the cars? This shows that the difficulty of parking in the area of Hal Rezqun is growing. We hope these words will not fall on deaf ears.

Our thanks to The Malta Independent on Sunday that gives us the space to voice our complaints.

Joseph Zarb, Alfred Pace

o/b of Residents

of Hal Rezqun