Watering down groundwater protection

Abstract

I hate to criticise the same entity over and over again but the Malta Chamber of SMEs (GRTU) has repeatedly shown that it deserves the dunce cap for its green credentials. Despite seeking to shore up its green credentials (and obviously make a hefty profit in the process) by setting up a waste management company (Green MT Ltd), the GRTU or its representatives have repeatedly voiced opinions or proposals of dubious environmental value. The latest example is its complaint that the government (specifically, Resources Minister George Pullicino) was out to get water bowser operators (many of who, incidentally, are members of the GRTU), through proposed measures to prevent further illegal groundwater extraction. The fact that our water acquifer is under strain from over-extraction has almost become a cliché. It is estimatated that the 34 million cubic metres of water pumped out annually is well beyond the sustainable level of 23 to 28 million cubic metres.