Gozo is one big dump

I agree with Gozo Tourism Association secretary Joe Muscat (The Sunday Times, August 31) that the proposal to turn Gozo into an eco-island is a challenging opportunity. Many projects have already been proposed but we must start from simple things which can be improved without significant capital expenditure.

Abandoned cars, rusty oil drums, refrigerators, old mattresses and bulky refuse of all kinds are dumped in our countryside, ruining many beautiful and ecologically important areas in Gozo.

Everyone wants his home to be clean and tidy, but when it comes to the outdoor environment the opposite is happening. 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 duty bound to protect it. Under this new legislation there are heavy fines for those caught littering or dumping objects in the countryside, but is everybody aware of this law?

The government is bound to enforce this law and we have been informed that Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said will be in charge of a national campaign so that this law will become effective. Environmental wardens will be on the look out for negligent citizens who litter.

The Gozo Ministry and local councils obviously bear responsibility for the island'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 on their resources, which should be increased. Yet there are localities where problems are not yet solved or rather Mr Citizen is so irresponsible that whatever measures are taken he is always ready to break the laws and continues to litter.

The Gozo Ministry must use its resources in a more structured, co-ordinated, directed 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 get. The valleys urgently need a clean up so that the water ways are kept clear to receive the rain water which will soon come. The country is losing huge amounts of greatly needed rain water by it being washed away straight into the sea.

The responsibility for dumping lies with all of us. 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.

It is true that Gozo is a mythical island and renowned for its beauty but all of us must be responsible to preserve this beauty. If Gozo is turned into an eco-island, everybody will benefit, locals and visitors alike.