Successful rat 'blitz'

In reaction to David Hepworth's letter entitled "Those horrible rats" (May 17), WasteServ would like to retort that its rodent control programme, including the "blitz" treatment to destroy the substantial number of rats, has been successful. As witnessed in recent days this "blitz" is leading to the eradication of the problem.

WasteServ Malta Ltd could not agree more with Mr Hepworth's statement that "the people of these lovely islands deserve better". The Maltese public deserves new, sustainable waste management facilities and the closure of the uncontrolled dumps at Qortin, Maghtab and Wied Fulija is a step in the right direction.

Last weekend the invasion of "those horrible rats" was undoubtedly an unpleasant experience for Xaghra residents. However, it must be said that this was a one-off occurrence.

With the closure of Qortin, Xaghra and all Gozitan residents have got rid once and for all of the negative impacts of an uncontrolled dump which had been in operation for 36 years. The Qortin dump has now been finally closed and will be rehabilitated in line with the government's commitment to reduce this potential human health hazard and its environmental impacts.

In the meantime, WasteServ apologises for any inconvenience that it might have caused.