Action against dumping

Abandoned cars, rusty drums, refrigerators, air-conditioners, old mattresses and other bulky refuse of all kinds is littering our countryside. This illegal dumping is ruining many beautiful and ecologically important areas in Gozo.

Everyone wants their home to be clean and tidy, but it is not the same for the public environment.

Back in September 2001, Parliament approved the Environment Protection Act which established that environmental protection is first and foremost the government's responsibility but also declares that all citizens are in duty bound to protect it.

New legislation with heavy fines for those caught littering or dumping objects in the countryside now exists. This law will come into effect in January and environmental wardens will be on the lookout for litterbugs. Many believe that unless everyone feels they are contributing to the present state of the environment, no real progress will be made.

The Ministry of Gozo and local councils obviously bear responsibility for Gozo's upkeep and cleanliness. They are well aware of the problem and, in fairness, are trying to do what they can. Local councils are hampered by limits to their resources, which should be increased.

The ministry must use its resources in a more structured, co-ordinated, and productive way. It needs to draw up an action plan and use all the tools at its disposal, including the disciplined organisation and technical expertise it can obtain.

The two 'Es' are crucial ingredients in the battle to prevent dumping: education and enforcement. We must educate people about their civic responsibilities to society. There must be a culture change.

Dumping is unacceptable in an advanced, civilised society. This message must be driven home by every means at our disposal, especially in schools and the media. But those who refuse to heed this message must be punished. The laws on litter and dumping must be enforced. If the rule of law is not enforced, it will not be respected.

The police's Administrative Law Enforcement Unit, backed up by environmental wardens, must be given the manpower and resources to apply the law rigorously and not be shackled because everyone in Gozo knows each other! People employed to enforce the law must do their work conscientiously.

Illegal dumping unfortunately has been going on for many years. Local councils provide a domestic waste collection service six days a week. All councils provide a free bulky refuse collection service, on request. Yet illegal dumping at roadsides or in the countryside persists.

Hopefully this mentality might change. The young generation, through education and awareness, will put a stop to it. A persuasive information and education campaign will also help. At the same time, law enforcement must increase and modern technology should be used to try to deter people from dumping waste in the countryside.