I refer to the article published on page 12 (TMIS, 15 January). The Dingli local council would like to make the following points:

The Dingli local council was one of the first councils that accepted to participate in the bring-in-site scheme when it was introduced. Together with other localities – Siggiewi, Attard, Balzan, Iklin, Lija and Mtarfa (which form part of Council Joint Committee), it issued a tender for the provision of waste separation bins. This tender was published in the Government Gazette of 21 January 2005 and Greenlines was awarded the tender. The council pays around Lm125 per month to give this service to its residents.

The council embarked on an educational campaign on how the residents should use these bring-in-sites – sending a leaflet to each household and in its quarterly publication both the mayor, Ian Borg, and councillor David Vassallo encouraged all residents to use these bring-in-sites properly.

Recently, the council approved a project near the bring-in-sites in order to upgrade the area to have a cleaner and fresher environment.

The Council Administration liased with the contractor and every week they collaborate and make sure that the bring-in-sites are cleaned and all waste is cleared. Besides, the council, contrary to what was stated in the article, frequently sends employees to check these bring-in-sites and the surroundings.

When the council sees excessive waste at the bring-in-sites and surroundings dumped by irresponsible individuals, it takes immediate action and reports this to the contractor, who has always acted promptly and cleans up the site.

The council is astonished how such an article has been given so much prominence as it has always responded promptly to all complaints, especially environmental issues such as the one published.

The council expects the cooperation of the residents, which it feels has the support of the majority of the residents who use these bring-in-sites well.

From time to time, irresponsible people who have their own agenda, vandalise and abuse this system in order to give extra work to the council, at the expense of the tax payer.

Mayor Ian Borg and the councillors will continue to do their utmost to safeguard the environment of the locality, especially since Dingli is considered an important village with its own characteristics, which are appreciated by the tourists who visit our village.

Paul Pace

Executive Secretary

Dingli Local Council