I am delighted to acknowledge the exceptional efforts of the volunteers from San Lawrenz who, on the 15th of September, dedicated their time and energy to clean up our beautiful village.

Their commitment resulted in the removal of an impressive four bags of rubbish from our road alone.

This remarkable display of community spirit is truly heartwarming, and I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all those who participated. It was also encouraging to see our Mayor taking part in this initiative, setting a positive example for our community.

However, I would like to address certain concerns that have arisen in the aftermath of this cleanup effort. While the event was indeed positive, I couldn’t help but notice that neither the Mayor nor any other local government representatives approached my neighbours or me for assistance.

Despite my attempts to communicate with the Mayor when I saw him in the vicinity, I was unable to engage in a conversation. Subsequently, I noticed litter strewn across small gardens in the area, which my neighbours and I felt compelled to clean up ourselves.

To address this issue, I have proactively contacted the management of the Kempinski Hotel, as well as their head office, requesting their support in maintaining the cleanliness of their respective areas. Additionally, I have suggested the installation of larger litter bins to help address this problem.

My primary reason for seeking a dialogue with the Mayor was to gain clarity on the operational aspects of the new waste separation system. Several questions have arisen:

1. How will authorities determine the origin of rubbish when multiple farmhouses share the same disposal area?

2. Some property owners do not reside in Gozo or Malta. How can we ensure their accountability for proper waste disposal, especially for those who reside abroad?

3. Regarding bins marked with a red sticker, indicating the need to “SORT IT OUT,” who is responsible for sorting them? It is important to clarify this aspect of waste management.

4. Guesthouses and rental farmhouses should be required to have separate recycling and waste bins, and property owners should ensure suitable storage solutions. Residents should not bear the consequences of property owners’ inadequate waste management.

5. Could you provide information on the duration for which sacks marked with red stickers will be left outside before collection? Establishing a specific timeframe is crucial to prevent unsightly and unhygienic conditions.

6. The issue of illegal dumping in neighbouring villages is a valid concern. We must find effective measures to discourage such actions and promote responsible waste disposal within our village.

I believe in our community’s ability to collaborate and find solutions to these pressing issues. The success of our recent cleanup effort demonstrates our shared commitment to preserving the beauty and cleanliness of San Lawrenz.

By addressing these concerns and engaging in constructive dialogue with local authorities, we can ensure that our waste management practices are effective, equitable, and sustainable.

In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude for Gozo News’ continuous support and coverage of our community’s efforts. I eagerly anticipate positive developments in our waste management system in the near future.

Lastly, I would like to remind everyone that local elections are scheduled for the 8th of June 2024, and active participation is essential for shaping our local governance.

Roy Parker

Photos supplied by author – Top – rubbish collected by  residents and below by volunteers

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