NTM welcomes authorities’ quick response on Lunzjata Valley
Nature Trust (Malta) yesterday welcomed the authorities’ quick response to the dumping of oil at Lunzjata valley, while urging the authorities to capture all those responsible for this action.
In a statement, NTM further urged the responsible authorities, mainly the Water Services Corporation (WSC), the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) and the Police to “continue their investigations on the recent report of the dumped oil at Lunzjata Valley in Gozo and apprehend the culprits.”
NTM added that this was “a double concern issue” as it affected the ground water and at the same time had a negative and serious effect on the endemic freshwater crab found in this valley.
“This valley is a protected site, whilst the crab is also protected under Maltese law and therefore its protection merits top priority,” the Green NGO said in its press statement.
NTM also called on MEPA to issue a management plan for this site as well as to take concrete actions in order to stop further damage to the site. Over the years NTM had been reporting traces of sewage overflows into the valley, which had been noticed several times especially when taking tourists and members on nature walks.
“Our islands are already facing water problems today. Furthermore our biodiversity is on the decline due to overdevelopment, and pollution, among other things,” NTM insisted in its statement.
Nature Trust (Malta) called the dumping incident in Gozo as “another serious blow to our local biodiversity”.
“Our local authorities should pull up their socks and start to take concrete actions as is their duty. MEPA is obliged by the EU directives to protect such habitats and species,” the Green NSO concluded.
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