I am currently in Malta visiting my daughter who has just completed her medical doctor internship at Mater Dei Hospital. This is my third visit to Malta and I love it here.

Last year, I was aware of numerous requests to separate household rubbish. This year the same notice was stuck to the door of the garbage section of our apartment block. However, this is clearly not being done and the problem was recently highlighted in the local press.

I suggest the property owners should be responsible for this. The rental market far outweighs the permanently occupied properties sector, therefore it should be made the responsibility of the registered owner of all rental properties to ensure that the service is adhered to by supplying the necessary bags. All flats and apartments are furnished, so there must be at least three bins supplied.

In my country, the local authorities charge the registered owner for services delivered, including sewerage and water. The supply of grey bags, if not issued for free, can be charged to the owners.

Malta is the country of choice for so many visitors due to a number of reasons, including safety, size (a holiday-maker can see and do all the sights in a matter of days), history, culture and good weather.

However, mass tourism is also a double-edged sword as it obviously exerts pressure on the country’s infrastructure. Some of the beaches are not well maintained and are full of cigarette stubs. Neither are some of the roads and pavements, which are often filthy.

Strict on-the-spot fines are needed for people who litter, as well as many more bins. And all restaurants, bars and entertainment establishments should be charged a cleaning fee for the clean-up of pavements.

I recently went for a 7am swim and was appalled to see how many beer and soft drink bottles were floating in the sea.

Only when there is a zero tolerance approach can there be a change from all stakeholders; otherwise the year-on-year increase in revenue from tourism will change drastically.

I have seen this happen in many of the world’s resorts that I have frequented. Then it will be too late to fix the problem.

I love Malta!