Ground water is a scarce and precious resource which has to be protected, AD secretary general Ralph Cassar said this morning.

Addressing a news conference, he said that in view of challenges like climate change and the complete lack of management of this resource, AD is making serious proposals for this resource to be used in a sustainable manner.

“Politicians are supposed to protect public goods, but in the case of water, a laissez-faire attitude prevails.

“While the basic and necessary amount of water should be accessible, with subsidies for basic use, waste and excessive use should be penalised. AD in parliament will make sure that there is a clear policy direction on this issue. We are also proposing that resources, environmental protection and planning are regulated by one authority," Mr Cassar said.

Deputy chairman Carmel Cacopardo said that AD in parliament would give priority to controlling the theft of ground water through the registered and unregistered boreholes.

“AD considers ground water as public property which should be protected and used wisely. It is not only necessary to put in place controls on the quantity of ground water extracted but also on the deteriorating quality of the said water.

"We should remember that Malta should be in line with the provisions of the Water Framework Directive of the EU which spells out the protection required. Due tom lack of sufficient commitment on then part of government and the Malta Resources Authority, to date we still have a long way to attain EU targets.”