Concerns over the filthy state of the Council of Europe Garden in Gżira have been dismissed by the town’s mayor, who claimed the garden’s size had to be taken into account when dealing with such complaints.
Last week, Ta’ Xbiex resident Gwenaelle Thiliene Bernardos-Castillo, in a letter sent to The Sunday Times of Malta, complained about coming across five dead pigeons and used syringes in the Gżira garden. This, she said, was especially worrying in light of the bird flu outbreak a few years ago and the fact that families with children often visited the garden.
In the past, she has often also come across other hazardous waste in the area, including used condoms, broken glass, animal stools, cigarette butts, bottles and beer cans.
Gżira mayor Conrad Borg Manché said the council had been alerted to the situation following the publication of the letter and was investigating the issues raised, yet he also pointed out that one should keep in mind that the garden was quite large.
“The Council of Europe Garden is a vast open area, nearly the size of two football stadiums, available 24/7, so when one takes the findings into proportion they are very minimal,” Mr Borg Manché said.
The police are aware and carry out regular patrols. In fact, the situation is improving
He said said that while the council had plans to install CCTV cameras, LED lights and play structures soon, not much could be done about littering by people who visit the area.
Mr Borg Manché said: “While we provide litter bins all along the footpaths, which are emptied daily, people still prefer to dispose of their waste on the ground.”
The mayor also said the council was still awaiting direction from Transport Malta regarding plans to regenerate the area.
He said the council had also alerted the police, especially since used syringes had been found in the area, which raised concerns drug abusers were gathering at the gardens at night.
“The police are aware of this problem and carry out regular patrols. In fact, the situation is improving,” Mr Borg Manché said.