Promenades getting a regular wash

The Resource and Infrastructure Ministry's Cleansing Services Department and the Malta Tourism Authority have started washing promenades in popular areas during the summer, Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said at the opening of the clean up the seas campaign.

The promenades in Mellieha, Cirkewwa, St Paul's Bay, Bugibba, Qawra, Paceville and Gzira are washed on a weekly basis, while the Birzebbu©a and Marsascala promenades are washed every two weeks.

The washing exercise will cost the MTA Lm34,878 while in Gzira and Sliema the local councils are footing the bill.

Dr Zammit Dimech said the Tourism Ministry was responsible for the cleaning and upkeep of beaches. In summer, in fact, more than 40 beaches were being cleaned on a daily basis.

In 2004, the ministry had collected 4,500 tonnes of rubbish and seaweed from bays.

The minister said the public should make an effort to keep beaches and promenades clean.