240 tonnes of illegal bulky metal waste removed

Forty tonnes of illegally-dumped bulky metal waste that marred the countryside was removed over the past weeks by a government task force.

Another 200 tonnes were removed by land owners after the Malta Environmental and Planning Authority issued call letters and enforcement notices.

The call letters urged landowners to clear the abandoned items themselves and sell them to licensed operators.

When the deadlines expired, Mepa had the right to go on site and take action, selling the scrap for recycling abroad, which made up for the removal costs.

So far, the project has focused on 32 localities - 26 in Malta and six in Gozo. Local councils were asked to identify the problem areas by taking photos and sending site plans of places where big metal objects, like cars, were abandoned in the countryside or residential streets, even if this was on private land.

The plan is to continue the work in all localities to ensure that, within four months, all these eyesores are removed.

"This initiative is ambitious but realistic," Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said, who is leading the task force, told a press conference yesterday.

He said the results proved that, as soon as the government showed a willingness to clear the eyesores, the public cooperated, creating a "win-win situation".

Mepa chairman Austin Walker thanked all those involved in counteracting the scourge of illegally dumped items and said the country deserved better.

The project includes the help of the Rural Affairs Ministry, the police and local wardens.

The public can report any abandoned metal objects or vehicles by calling 2360 5104/8007 6608 or e-mailing pdi.opm@gov.mt.