The issue of garbage being left out in the street for hours on end is one that has yet to be solved as seen in certain areas.

It is a problem that keeps coming to the fore time and time again. Just recently, Swieqi mayor Noel Muscat called on Prime Minister Robert Abela to intervene immediately in what he described as an out-of-control garbage crisis that is making life unbearable for residents.

Muscat said the locality was “losing control” and warned that unless drastic action is taken, the situation could mirror that of other overburdened areas. The email included 72 photos, all showing garbage bags outside houses and on street corners at night.

This in itself shows that it is an overwhelming problem for the locality. The mayor’s request for support must be answered. Muscat has long been flagging the garbage problem in his locality, yet it has obviously not been solved. The authorities must do more.

“We have been flagging the source of the problem since 25 February 2016 and even offered solutions. Not only hasn’t the problem been solved, but it has now turned into a crisis,” he wrote.

Piles of garbage left on the side of streets will attract insects and rats. That soon can become an infestation, which brings with it health hazards. Let’s not forget that just a few years ago videos of rats were popping up all over social media in garbage littered areas. This, aside from the horrible stench of garbage that would be created and the uglification of an area it causes.

It is unfair on residents to live in such conditions.

The Prime Minister, asked whether there are plans to help the local council and residents of the locality, said that the government has been helping, citing reforms that had been introduce in how garbage is collected and in separation of waste, highlighting the explosion in the percentage of waste that is being recycled in the country. As far as he is informed, he said, the contractors who tendered with the government are doing a good job, but he said this does not mean it cannot be done better, and mentioned that the cleansing department supplements the work. He also said he is open to dialogue with the Swieqi Mayor and if other solutions can be found they will find them.

This is of course good news, as the situation must be brought under control.

What could be needed to solve it are more officials enforcing the rules, catching those abusing the system and issuing more fines. A change in planning laws to require new apartment blocks to have a room where garbage can be deposited and collected should also be made, and there should be better ways to ensure that users of short-let apartments abide by the regulations.

Localities struggling with garbage issues must be supported, and now, by the authorities to help bring the situation under control.

The one size fits all approach to garbage collection might also not be working as intended for densely populated areas. It might need review. Perhaps more frequent garbage collection might be required to help deal with the issue in those zones.