Political campaigns should focus on policies and issues, Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) Secretary General Ralph Cassar said, during a press conference next to the Malta Resources Authority.

Ralph Cassar indicated that AD is continuously making proposals on various issues, not least of which is the sustainable management of natural resources. Ground water is one of the scarce and precious resources which must be protected, he announced. “In view of challenges like climate change and the complete lack of management of this resource, AD is making serious proposals so that it will be used in a sustainable manner”.

Politicians are supposed to protect public goods, but in the case of water a laissez-faire attitude prevails, the AD Secretary General argued. While the basic and necessary amount of water should be accessible, with subsidies for basic use, waste and excessive use should be penalized, he recommended. If AD is elected to Parliament it will ensure that a clear policy on the issue is made. “We are also proposing that resources, environmental protection and planning are regulated by one authority."

The AD will also give priority to controlling the theft of ground water through the registered and unregistered boreholes, AD Deputy Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo stated.

AD considers ground water as public property which should be used wisely. “We should remember that Malta should be in line with the provisions of the Water Framework Directive of the EU, which states that protection of ground water is required”. Due to lack of sufficient commitment from the Government and the Malta Resources Authority, Malta is far from reaching the EU targets, he said.

Carmel Cacopardo added that It does not make sense to continue dumping treated sewage effluent into the sea. “This water has a multitude of uses and it is about time that it should be considered a resource which, with additional investment, could be put to use in areas such as agriculture”.