Naples emulates Gozo

Naples has a huge garbage problem. Hundreds of tons of garbage have been mounting on the streets for several weeks. The smell is unbearable and rats are all over the place. Lately the garbage bags are being set on fire, with fire engines making hundreds of calls daily. The fumes are very noxious, probably emanating dioxin.

Recently, it dawned on the authorities to follow the example set by Malta's sister island, Gozo. All the garbage collected in Gozo is just shipped over to Malta and Gozo is able to retain its reputation of being cleaner and tidier than Malta. It was proposed to send all the garbage collected to Rumania (of course at some expense), thinking that over there they would not mind, so long as they made some money. Of course they did not suggest any other country, such as France, Switzerland, Austria etc, who are also close by. They could afford to refuse any payment for collecting other people's refuse. But with countries like Rumania it would be a different matter altogether.

Unfortunately for the Italians, the Rumanians refused their generous offer, as will, no doubt, any other country which they may approach. Maybe Malta will be approached too.

Sometimes I wish I were a Gozitan. Apart from collectively paying little income tax or VAT, they also dump all their garbage in Malta.