From Mr S. Zerafa

I refer to the article “Blame not the rain for the d-rain-age” (TMIS, 16 October).

The article highlights the drainage overflow that occurs in Valley Road Birkirkara during heavy rain, but points out that lately, this has been happening even when it does not rain.

It is common knowledge that the area in question suffers from chronic flooding that overwhelms the drainage system with storm water when it rains. The water catchment area includes Ta’Qali, Mosta, Naxxar, Lija, Balzan, Birkirkara and Iklin. The waters from these areas carry down huge amounts of debris that clog the drainage system, which must be cleaned and repaired after every instance of flooding as the sewers will be unable to cope with the normal amount of drainage. This is why drainage sometimes overflows even when it does not rain.

While sympathetic to the public’s concerns, the Water Services Corporation wishes to point out that contrary to the allegations in the article, short to medium-term remedial work is being carried out that should minimise this problem. This work includes the laying of new drainage mains to increase the capacity of the existing system.

Of course this problem cannot be completely eliminated until the storm-water catchment problem is solved first – and this is beyond the WSC’s current remit.

Stephen Zerafa

Head Public Relations

Water Services Corporation