After striving for a number of years, Mellieha Bay has finally been awarded the coveted Blue Flag.
This was announced by the International Jury, which stated: " The International Jury awards the Blue Flag to Mellieha Bay, on the condition that the MEPA continues to monitor the construction of the kiosks to ensure compliance with the permits conditions and method statements, and that the operation of the kiosks is monitored to ensure full compliance with the blue Flag criteria.
"Moreover, it encourages the National Operator to keep a close discussion between Blue Flag Malta and Blue Flag International to ensure the beach complies with all Blue Flag criteria before it is awarded, and during the season.
"If there are failures in the process the Blue Flag is to withdraw the Flag immediately from this beach during the season.
"Furthermore it is recommended that more frequent beach inspections are done at Mellieha Bay since this bay has witnessed various problems over the years which may risk the retention of the Flag."
Earlier, the International Jury referred to unexplained 'extraordinary circumstances' regarding the bay and said: " Regarding the extraordinary circumstance concerning Mellieha Bay, the International Jury would like to thank the National Operator for taking swift action and sending the Evaluation Report to the International Jury."
This is what the International Jury had to say about other beaches in Malta: "The International Jury congratulates Nature Trust (Malta) as the Malta Blue Flag national operator for sending the documentation on time and the excellent performance.
The International Jury granted the dispensation to Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, and asked that information about the dispensation is displayed on the information board, as well as pointing on the map the closest disabled beach with the Quality beach label. Furthermore it is imperative that this beach has the appropriate waste separation bins as approved for Malta Blue Flag. Failing to have these in place will mean that the Flag will not be awarded next year.
In addition, it asked that Blue Flag Malta works with the Golden Bay beach towards Blue Flag award, pushing the municipality and Government to comply with the environmental standards which are necessary to be awarded the Blue Flag. Blue Flag notes that this is already in process and looks forward to seeing a positive evaluation for 2015.
The International Jury Therefore asks that Blue Flag Malta reports next year to the Blue Flag International Jury about the status regarding Blue Flag implementation at the Golden Bay beach, if it has not reached full compliance for 2016.