The polluted seas problem continues to hit Malta at the height of summer, the Nationalist Party said, with people complaining about dirty waters from Mellieħa to Valletta.

As we find ourselves in the height of summer, the Maltese and Gozitans head to the beaches for some relaxation. Tens of thousands of tourists also come to our islands to enjoy, among other things, our sea.

Yet, while the Ministers responsible seem to be enjoying the season - having not uttered a single word about the disaster affecting our seas - Maltese residents and tourists are instead faced with polluted waters, strange foam and foul odours, instead of the clean seas in which they could enjoy summer, the PN said.

In recent days, many have complained that the entire stretch of coastline from Mellieħa to Valletta is in some way polluted, right in the peak of summer and during the week of Santa Marija, when many flock to our beaches to swim.

This summer has already seen multiple reports of sewage spilling into the sea, with beaches closed off because the water was contaminated and unsafe for swimming - one of which had to be closed just two days after supposedly being awarded Blue Flag status. Now, in recent days, reports have also emerged of oil and sludge appearing in the sea in various localities, including Mellieħa, St Paul's Bay, Buġibba and Sliema.

Despite the fact that the Government is "presiding over a complete disaster in the sewage system" - to the extent that just eight months ago the European Court found it guilty of breaching EU laws for continuing to discharge untreated or partially treated sewage into our seas - Robert Abela and his colleagues do not appear to be concerned. Instead, they have gone off to enjoy the summer, leaving Maltese residents and tourists searching for a patch of unpolluted sea in which they can swim.

This comes on top of all the other problems the Maltese and Gozitans are facing, which continue to impact everyone's quality of life:

polluted seas preventing swimming in various areas;

roads gridlocked with traffic due to uncontrolled population growth;

an environment and open spaces that are constantly shrinking, while the

Government seeks to change planning laws without consultation;

streets and localities littered at all hours of the day due to inadequate infrastructure

The PN said it demanded seriousness from the Government. If it truly has respect for the environment, for the Maltese people who pay taxes to live in a decent country, and for the tourists who pay to visit our islands, the Government must take care of our seas and environment, ensuring we have the necessary infrastructure and enforcement to guarantee their protection.

PL replies

In reply, the Labour Party said on a day when Maltese beaches are brimming with joy and excitement, the day after the feast of Santa Marija, the Nationalist Party claims that there is no place to swim in Malta because, according to them, the entire sea is polluted.

Certainly, the falsehoods, pessimism, and dishonesty of the Nationalist Party do not have any shut down, the PL said.

The statement made by the Nationalist Party are not based on any credible source, including the Public Health Directorate, which has consistently classified beaches transparently. The majority of Maltese beaches are deemed excellent and suitable for swimming, the PL said.