CSD collects double amount of illegally dumped material

The Cleansing Services Department collected 980 tonnes of illegally-dumped material this month, practically double the amount collected in July 2004, statistics obtained from the Government have shown.

The waste clearance this month cost some Lm30,000, up from the Lm17,000 spent for the 564 tonnes collected in July 2004.

Resources and Infrastructure Minister Ninu Zammit described illegal dumping as nothing more than a waste of public funds.

"We can't carry on spending people's taxes in this way. With the money we spent clearing up between January 2004 and July 2005, we could have carried out three projects, like the upgrading of the Upper Barracca Gardens, one like Paceville or seven like the Xghajra Promenade!"

The CSD is having to face the grim task of clearing up areas, just days after removing loads of illegally dumped rubbish.

Statistics released last month showed that no less than Lm750,000 has been spent to remove 23,800 tonnes of rubbish dumped illegally in valleys, industrial zones and arterial roads in 18 months.

Under new regulations announced by Environment Minister George Pullicino and coming into force next January, the fine for littering, now Lm10, will shoot up to between Lm25 and Lm50 - and undercover wardens will be on patrol ready to book offenders.

The Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure has introduced a freephone number (8007-6608) and e-mail so cases of illegal dumping can be reported. While 51 phone calls reached the Cleansing Services Department in July 2004, this month there were 107 calls.