Nature Trust (Malta) said today it was appalled by recent news in The Sunday Times of Malta that cement wash and cow urine were contaminating the scenic Ħal Farruġ valley following a prolonged leak at a concrete factory belonging to Polidano Brothers and dumping of animal excrement from a neighbouring cow farm.

The paper also reported that the cement leak was so big that it flooded fields adjacent to the factory to such an extent that certain parts turned into solid concrete.

The NGO said it failed to understand why the authorities took so long to act.

"It is about time that contractors and individuals found to be breaking the law with numerous offence and illegalities should be black listed by the government and the planning authority," the NGO said.

"It is shocking to note that some contractors do not only continue to break the law but at times are getting it their way by means of sanctioning or having talks with high government officials on their illegalities, The law should apply to all the same

"It is about time the enforcement forces in this country act in a level playing field where all are the same if they break the law and should be made to reverse anything done at their own expense."

Nature Trust noted that the contractor had finally started to reverse the process. This, it said, should be done under the full supervision on Mepa and a case to pay environmental damages should be opened against the two entities that contributed to this damage.