Maltese residents submit petition to stop sewage sea dumping

A group of Maltese and Gozitan residents, with the support of environmental NGO Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA), have prepared and signed a petition urging the European Commission to ensure that the Maltese authorities cease the discharge of sewage into the sea in breach of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.

The petition was presented to Partit Nazzjonalista MEP Peter Agius, who, during a press conference held in Xgħajra, announced that he will be presenting the petition before the European Parliament’s Petitions Committee, of which he is a member, on behalf of the residents.

Astrid Vella from FAA stated that despite Malta having been found guilty eight months ago by the European Court of Justice for breaching environmental legislation, untreated or partially treated sewage continues to be discharged into the sea from the treatment plants in Mellieħa and Xgħajra. This is impacting popular swimming zones in Qammiegħ and Xgħajra.

The petition states that the discharge of sewage into the sea poses a risk to public health and marine ecosystems; that Malta has yet to comply with the EU Court ruling; that the Government has failed to provide a timeline for progress; and that no studies have been conducted to assess whether current facilities can cope with pressure from overdevelopment and population growth. The residents are calling on the European Commission to take action to ensure the Maltese Government resolves this issue.

MEP Peter Agius remarked that clean seas are not a luxury; they are a right enshrined in EU law. He criticised the Government for pursuing economic expansion and development without investing in the necessary infrastructure to deliver essential services.

He emphasised that sewage treatment plants are a national infrastructure priority. While the Water Services Corporation has acknowledged pressure on the treatment system, this cannot serve as an excuse. The Government is duty-bound to invest adequately to prevent further damage to ecosystems and safeguard the health and enjoyment of the sea for the Maltese and Gozitan people.

Shadow Minister for the Environment Rebekah Borg expressed her support for the residents who submitted the petition and stated that the biggest problem is the Government’s refusal to acknowledge that we have a sewage issue in our seas. She noted that although there is a pledge to extend the sewage treatment plant at Ċumnija, this is still awaiting a permit, and according to official documents, it would be completed within three years from the date the permit is issued. Rebekah Borg stressed that every day of delay is to the detriment of the Maltese, the Gozitans, and the tourists who visit our islands.

Peter Agius confirmed that he will be presenting the petition at the first available Petitions Committee meeting and will ensure that the European Parliament takes action on the matter.