An idyllic freshwater stream in Attard was transformed into a soapy bog yesterday, after heavy rains flooded the area’s sewage mains.

“This is ridiculous. Every time it rains heavily the sewage system gets blocked and this beautiful stream is contaminated with filth,” irate Attard resident John Muscat said.

The normally clear stream, which runs along a stretch of farmland between the Ta’ Qali crafts village and residential Attard, is a main source of irrigation for many farmers in the area.

Organic farmer Charles Camilleri said his small patch was one of several situated along the murky stream, adding that he was often overwhelmed by the stench of what was “unmistakably excrement” coming from it.

“This time it was soap, which is terrible for the vegetation. I’ve even seen toilet paper and everything that goes with it floating down this bit of water,” he said.

This is ridiculous. Every time it rains heavily the sewage system gets blocked

Mr Camilleri had formed part of a collective of farmers which raised serious concerns over the overflow back in 2008. The group had complained of drainage flooding the canals in the terraced farmland along the Rabat hill.

“We were told by many different authorities that the problem would be addressed. This was years ago and nothing has changed,” he said.

Another group of farmers raised the issue again in 2011, claiming the smell of putrid water often caused them to abandon work in their fields in neighbouring Attard. They said the pollution was contaminating nearby irrigation reservoirs, their produce and even the water table.

The Water Services Corporation had admitted then that the problem was due to a collapsed manhole. However, they claimed that any efforts to counter the blockage were nullified by the great flow of water.

Attard Councillor Ralph Cassar said he had been waiting for a solution for years.

“This has been going on for at least three years. The authorities are aware of the problem but have so far been unable to identify a solution. This can’t keep happening,” he said.

Residents later took to social media to air claims that the problem had been ongoing for much longer.

“This has been going on for at least 10 years.

“I’ve seen soapy foam along that stream up to a metre high on more than one occasion,” resident Leonard Ellul Mercer said, adding that he could hardly believe the situation had not yet been resolved.

He claimed that the drainage originated from a blockage in a sewage mains canal in cen-tral Rabat.

“There must be some serious problems down there. I’ve seen thick sewage push up manhole covers there,” he said.

The WSC did not reply to questions sent yesterday.