Blue flags were temporarily lowered at Għadira Bay yesterday after what appeared to be sewage flowed out of a pipe into a ditch along the popular beach.

The unused subterranean pipe was damaged during the final implementation of the beach management system, which will feature recycled plastic bollards marking out areas where beach operators can put deckchairs and umbrellas on the scorching sand.

The long-awaited plan, seeking to iron out differences between frustrated bathers and kiosk operators, was introduced last June.

But beach officers noted murky water flowing out of the pipe along the back stretch of beach number three yesterday morning.

A tourism authority spokesman called to inspect the incident told Times of Malta that lowering the flag was standard procedure in any event that might jeopardise the beach’s reputation.

He expected all flags to be hoisted back up again by the end of yesterday.

“The beaches get regular spot checks and inspections and if things are amiss then we run the risk of losing the coveted status,” the spokesman said.

Drainage Department personnel were immediately called to test the murky water and pump out the un-wanted sludge.

Beach management rules originally came into force six years ago but an online petition calling for unrented deckchairs to be removed from bays has to date garnered 2,400 signatures.

The current system provides equal space along the bay for both operators and the public.

Meanwhile, the faulty pump causing sewage to flow into the sea at Gżira has been repaired. The Health Ministry said an inspection carried out yester-day morning confirmed it was working normally.

The incident took place on Monday morning, when residents and pleasure cruise operators had complained of an unbearable stench.

The Water Services Corporation said it took immediate action and by 8.30pm yesterday the necessary repairs had been carried out.

It apologised for any inconvenience caused. Complaints can be lodged on freephone 8007 6400 or through the WSC website.