MEPA and Ramblers Association join forces in collecting waste

Representatives from the Malta Environmental and Planning Authority (MEPA) linked up with members from the Malta Ramblers Association to collect large amounts of waste which had piled up over many years in the area known as 'Ballut' in Marsaxlokk.

The initiative was undertaken by the two organisations to honour 'Clean up the world day'. 

The area of Ballut is surrounded by agricultural land and it is considered a zone of ecological importance, having also been labelled as a 'Special Area of Conservation' (SAC). It also serves as a sanctuary for birds with rare species such as the Sea Rush and the Long-bracted Sedge found there. 

"We understand the need and importance for environmental responsibility and will continue to promote collective action in this regard", Mepa CEO Johann Buttigieg said, adding that it also organised other similar initiatives for its employees such as last September's 'Car-Free Day'.

"Through such initiatives we want to promote and encourage a 'hands-on' culture, in the hope that other companies will follow suit," he said. 

The waste which was collected was offloaded at an amenity site in Ħal-Far.