Gozo ministry imposes swimming ban in Xlendi after drainage pipe rupture

Gozo minister Giovanna Debono has ordered a temporary swimming ban in Xlendi as works continued into the night to stop an outflow of sewage, after a rising main was accidentally ruptured by a contractor during works on a the rebuilding of the Xlendi road.

3 August 2010, 12:00am
by Karl Stagno-Navarra

1 min read

The incident happened at the height of summer when hoteliers, holiday flat owners and bars and restaurant owners are already complaining about the almost impossibility for patrons to get to Xlendi given the diversions for the closed road.

A huge leak of drainage water flooded the Xlendi area, causing a stench and inducing shops and restaurants to close, while patrons fled the area in disgust.

Meanwhile, workers from different sections within the works department in Gozo were immediately sent to the area, while health department officials ordered an immediate clean up and disinfestation.

Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono was also on site and followed the emergency repair works, while she also ordered ministry staff to coordinate with all governmental departments for the emergency to be solved.

Health authorities are currently monitoring the sea water quality at Xlendi beach in a bid to safeguard it from the possibility of seepage and pollution.