Raphael Vassallo The above photos, sent in by a concerned readers illustrate with disturbing clarity that the age-old problem of untreated sewage outflow into Marsamxett harbour from Valletta has not been solved – despite an ongoing embellishment project involving the surrounding bastions as well as the nearby Peacock Gardens.
As can be seen from these images, the outflow occurs almost exactly where the Sliema ferry unloads its passengers – often as not, tourists whose first experience of Malta’s capital city would therefore be marred by the appalling smell of drainage.
Commenting on the well-known sewage issue, Valletta mayor Alexiei Dingli admitted that his local council has so far been powerless to solve the problem.
“We have been reporting the matter to the drainage authority for years, but so far nothing has been done,” he told MaltaToday. “This is a pity, as the ongoing bastions embellishment project should have been the perfect opportunity to do something about it.”
Dingli added that the issue of untreated sewage outflow needed to be addressed with urgency, as the entire area also serves an entry-point to the city for people who make use of the ferry. Besides, it doesn’t make sense to spend money on restoration works in the vicinity - such as the ongoing clean-up of Peacock Gardens overlooking the dock in question – when the effect would be ruined in this way.
“We are also concerned with the state of the nearby waterpolo pitch, which is an eyesore at present,” he added. “Unfortunately, however, this falls outside our remit as a local council.”
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