From Ms E. Barbaro Sant

It is good news that the police, Mepa and local wardens are joining forces to crack down on rubbish in the streets. At long last, perhaps litterlouts will be caught.

It’s amazing and incredible how we Maltese are so particular about keeping our houses so spick and span and then (some) simply do not give it a second thought to throw out what they don’t want.

The waste separation at source and collection (except for glass) is a blessing, yet there still are households that persist in throwing away what is recyclable, such as plastic bottles and paper together with the general household refuse. Bulk refuse is collected for free, yet there are the odd ones who persist in leaving bulky stuff in some hidden corner.

I sincerely hope that this organised crackdown on rubbish in the streets will give the litterlouts, when caught, a much-needed lesson.

The refuse collectors are paid by the local council to do their work properly. However, over the last three weeks, my garbage bag was not collected four times. Each time I had to report the matter to the local council. Uncollected garbage creates a problem especially for those who, like me, do not have a backyard or a garden where to leave the bag for the following morning. The refuse, left in the scorching sun for hours, becomes smelly and stray dogs and cats smell the food, tear the bags open and make a feast of the contents, leaving a mess on the pavement.

The project, in order to be successful, has to be a combined effort by all. The authorities are doing their part. We have to do ours. Maybe, one day, we will be able to boast of a clean Malta.

Emily Barbaro-Sant

MOSTA