The crisis in waste collection and the lack of cleanliness across the country are the direct result of the incompetent decisions taken by the Labour Government, which chose to centralise waste collection and remove it from the responsibility of local councils, the Nationalist Party saod Saturday. It is now clear that a one-size-fits-all approach to waste collection is not working, and the events surrounding waste collection in the aftermath of the severe storm of recent days are clear proof of this.

The government opted to strip local councils of their autonomy and responsibility for waste collection, taking full control itself. The result has been the creation of a system that neither respects nor listens to those who deal with the problem on a daily basis, including mayors, local councillors and waste collectors, the PN said. Decisions are instead taken unilaterally, from ministerial desks, in an inefficient manner, without consultation and without a clear communication plan with residents.

In recent days, the serious lack of coordination between ministries and the entities involved became particularly evident. Decisions were changed from one moment to the next, while timely information on when and how black bag waste collection was to take place following the storm was lacking. This led to administrative chaos, as well as widespread confusion among citizens.

Despite the availability of practical solutions, such as allocating waste collection days closer together, these were not adopted. Instead, decisions were taken that resulted in confusion across several localities in both Malta and Gozo, the PN said.

It is deplorable that regions and local councils were merely informed of decisions that had already been taken, without being involved in the discussions leading to these choices, despite the fact that they are the ones who must directly face residents' anger and concerns. This style of leadership not only ignores local residents but also demonstrates a lack of trust in communities.

The PN said it has long warned about the wrong direction the Government has taken in the field of waste management and public cleanliness. The current crisis is not an accident, but the result of years of poor and unprofessional political decisions. The fact that Malta is now facing criticism and pressure over how it manages the waste sector further underlines the seriousness of the situation.

While reiterating that waste collection must be returned to the responsibility of local councils, the Partit Nazzjonalista, in light of all this:

Calls for a full review of the centralised waste collection model, with greater autonomy and real powers granted to local councils;

Once again extends a hand of cooperation and declares its willingness to help resolve this problem, including by charting a way forward through alternatives that have also been proposed by the Opposition in the context of the public consultation launched, which clearly shows that the one-size-fits-all system is not working;

Calls for the establishment of a clear protocol for mandatory consultation with local councils, regions, mayors and contractors before decisions are taken that directly affect residents;

Appeals for stronger public communication, with clear, consistent and timely notices regarding any changes to waste collection schedules.

The PN pledged to remain at the forefront in defending local communities, local councils and waste sector workers. A new Nationalist Government will ensure that essential services in our country are delivered with greater seriousness, professionalism and respect towards citizens and local institutions.