In view of the spiralling costs of energy, including the production of water through reverse osmosis plants, Alternattiva Demokratika is asking the government to conclude the preparation of a national water policy as quickly as possible. Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party Chairperson, stated: “It is imperative that the Stormwater Master Plan that is about to be issued is not tackled as a stand-alone plan, but should be coupled with the National Water Policy. In view of the fact that the National Water Policy is still being formulated Alternattiva Demokratika insists that work on the stormwater master plan be suspended until the national water policy is completed.”

Carmel Cacopardo, Alternattiva Demokratika Spokesperson on Sustainable Development and Local Government, specified: “Assigning priority to flood mitigation the Maltese government is overlooking the re-use potential of stormwater. This is a very shortsighted approach. In fact, the Maltese government is underestimating the strategic importance of stormwater. In a situation where we have to cut back on groundwater extraction, replacing this shortfall in groundwater with energy-intensive desalinated water is not a sustainable option.”

“Having made the mistake of not making use of the 2nd class water produced by the sewage treatment plants, government has no option but to make the best use of every drop of stormwater, not only by ensuring that cisterns are built under roads and houses but also by using quarries as reservoirs and also treating stormwater to make it a viable alternative to groundwater and potable water,” concluded Carmel Cacopardo.