The growth in tourism further strained the country s infrastructure resulting in a serious fresh water shortage and frequent power blackouts. My children and I were at the mercy of a bowser for lack of running water during the better part of the day. Were it not for the generosity of a best friend who invited us to his villa where water was readily available, we would have been pressed to return to California sooner than expected. I have been to Malta ten more times since 1981. With the exception of runaway construction, I have noticed significant improvements in the standard of living.
Creature comforts are more pronounced.
Water, telephone, power supply facilities are readily available. The easing of import restrictions has resulted in a great variety of food and merchandise from overseas. Tourism has peaked and is hopefully heading in the direction of upper-scale visitors. Environmental issues are starting to draw public interest and attention. Attempts are being made to beautify and landscape the island.