AD says waste and excessive use of water should be penalized

Ground water is one of the scarce and precious resources, which Malta must protect, Alternattiva Demokratika said.

Speaking during a press conference outside the Malta Resources Authority, secretary-general Ralph Cassar said that if AD is elected to parliament it would make sure that there is a clear policy direction on this issue.

Noting that electoral campaigns are supposed to focus on policy issues and proposals, Cassar said: "AD is continuously making proposals on various issues, not least the sustainable management of natural resources. Ground water is one of the scarce and precious resources which we must protect."

He explained that in view of challenges like climate change and the complete lack of management of this resource, AD is making serious proposals so that this resource is used in a sustainable manner. "Politicians are supposed to protect public goods, but in the case of water, a laissez-faire attitude prevails. While the basic and necessary amount of water should be accessible, with subsidies for basic use, waste and excessive use should be penalised."

Cassar added that "AD in parliament will make sure that there is a clear policy direction on this issue. We are also proposing that resources, environmental protection and planning are regulated by one authority."

On his part, AD deputy chairperson Carmel Cacopardo stressed that in parliament, the Greens will give priority to controlling the theft of ground water through the registered and unregistered boreholes.

"AD considers ground water as being public property which should be protected and used wisely. It is not only necessary to put in place controls on the quantity of ground water extracted but also on the deteriorating quality of the said water."

Pointing out that Malta should be in line with the provisions of

the Water Framework Directive of the EU which spells out the

protection required, Cacopardo said that due to the lack of sufficient commitment by government and the Malta Resources Authority, Malta has a long way to attain EU targets.

Cacopardo added that a holistic view on water resources is essential. "It does not make sense to continue dumping treated sewage effluent into the sea. This water has a multitude of uses and it is about time that rather than being considered as waste it should be considered as a resource which could be put to use in such areas as agriculture."

He also said that it is necessary to give more attention and importance to rainwater harvesting relative to both streets and houses, stressing that "even this water could be used instead to being dumped into the sea as is happening to the larger part of the water so collected."