Beside the seaside

A few days ago this newspaper ran an editorial specifically aimed at the island's upkeep. There was absolutely no mincing of words. It targeted the vital importance of cleanliness and its direct implications on our nation's image both for our own sakes and the hundreds of thousands of foreigners who visit us annually.

One dark trait that has remained a constant in the character of the Maltese is the relative disregard towards the upkeep of our public spaces. For a nation that prides itself in having the cleanest homes, we put up a miserable show in our willingness to keep this tiny island free from litter and the assorted garbage that finds itself dumped next to skips, bring-in sites and many other creative locations like byways and the countryside. Trying to understand this reluctance to behave like 21st century citizens leaves one baffled and exasperated. Is this simply a matter of habit? Can it possibly be part of our culture (sic)? Or is it simply unadulterated egoism and a lack of basic sense of civic duty?

Clearly, this monster is not beaten and rears its head even more predominantly during the summer months.

The Times lays the blame four square on our Administration, be it central or at local council level. On this I beg to differ.

While it is absolutely true that the ultimate buck should rest at the government's door it is rather unfair to say that the government is lacking in initiative and drive. In these last 12 months there has been an intensive educational anti-littering campaign and a number of national drives for general clean-up, especially in the countryside.

We have seen a marked improvement in the general maintenance of roundabouts and a constant endeavour to restore old buildings and sites. Thousands of tonnes of waste have been collected from arterial roads and public spaces. All this has been discarded with gay abandon by none other than ourselves.

Does all this exonerate the government from any responsibility? Of course not! Clearly the amenities and services exist. Are they properly maintained? Some are, others not. Enforcement is clearly lacking and while wardens and the police can hardly be everywhere I sense no real cooperation from the public to name and shame and mercilessly fine the culprits.

The culprits are manifold. The common garden litter lout disposes of cigarette butts, plastic bottles, paper and plastic bags with veritable gusto. Business and industry also play a leading role in this sad situation and this is more evident in particular areas.

All this becomes even more severe during the summer months. A class of tourist attracted to the island makes matters worse and this is evidenced especially in particular tourist hot spots. No place is sacred. Streets, shores, the sea and the countryside remain firm favourites for the typical litter lout.

It is clear that there is very little restraint on our part to control our urge to throw things out and preferably as far away as possible from our immediate surroundings. This has manifold implications, both environmental and economic. Apart from the diminished quality of life we have to enjoy there is also the burgeoning cost of maintaining this cleaning service. It has been estimated that as Maltese we are producing a staggering 625 kilos of garbage per head annually!

This brings me to the latest initiative suggested by Mario de Marco who has stated the need for a stand-alone agency especially focused on the maintenance of our shores and beaches. This is an excellent idea and will hopefully be implemented as soon as possible. Focusing on this aspect should improve the quality of our beaches. Need I remind you of the aftermath left on beaches after those infamous summer evening barbecues that should put us all to shame?

Beyond simple management of maintenance, our beaches also require more amenities like basic sanitary facilities that are sometimes sorely lacking. More attention should also be given to the proximity of fish farms, which, although serving a vital economic function in themselves, should never be detrimental to our beaches.

There is wide consensus by the public that cleanliness will always be a priority. Enforcement will remain the key if we are to stem this phenomenon once and for all. The government must grasp the nettle and take this challenge head on. Legislation is in place and it is time to enforce and enforce with vigour.

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