Partit Demokratiku today called for an immediate resolution to the ongoing problem of the sewage overflow and the disruption of proper sewage treatment at ix-Xatt l-Aħmar, Gozo. This problem had been flagged seven years ago, and despite several appeals to the relevant authorities and government, nothing was done about it.

From investigations made by the party, it seems the main cause is the dumping of cow dung into the main sewage supply pipelines via man-holes used for maintenance, PD said in a statement The straw mixed with the dung is blocking the filters and the bacteria present in the dung disrupts the sewage treatement process.

When Malta joined the EU funds were made available to build onsite plants to treat cow dung at the farms, this was never done and the farmers have nowhere to dispose of the waste. It is now time that a separate treatment plant specific to processing cow dung is built to resolve this problem.

After passing through the sewage system process the supposedly treated water is released into the sea through a pipe with exit holes at 80-100 metres. This pipeline itself is damaged. Often the sea at ix-Xatt l-Aħmar can become completely opaque due to the released effluent. The surrounding sea and area stinks of the same. The cost to repair the pipeline would be approximately 100,000 euro. Is it possible funds cannot be allocated for this?

It must be noted that this stretch of coast, due to its topography is the main site for all diving schools who issue certificates in technical diving. It is also in close vicinity to both Mġarr ix-Xini and Ta’ Ċenċ, both areas of enormous ecological and touristic value.

We want to market Gozo as a destination with distinct characteristics, primarily that of a relatively unspoilt environment. It is time the government walked the walk, not just talked the talk, PD said.