The Complaint

Farmers lodged a complaint against the placement of a bottle return machine which was blocking a water pipe. This pipe directed rainwater to their reservoir in Mqabba.

The Investigation

The Commissioner discovered that the Planning Authority had not yet issued a permit for this machine. He requested the exercise of common sense by moving the machine a few meters to enable the free flow of rainwater into the farmers’ reservoir. Weeks of inaction during the rainy season led the Commissioner to suggest relocating the machine away from the inlet as soon as possible or temporarily elevating it on masonry blocks to facilitate water flow.

After the Local Council brought up the farmers’ right to collect water from the street, the Commissioner emphasised that it was inappropriate to question the farmers’ water-collection rights, especially as the local farmers were responsibly collecting and reusing rainwater. The Local Council should instead promote and assist similar initiatives.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The Commissioner reiterated that this machine should be moved and further recommended compensation for the farmers’ loss of water. He also suggested enforcement action by both the Planning Authority and the Police.

Outcome

Following immediate intervention by the Police, the machine was relocated. The Planning Authority then introduced sanctions into the relevant permit application process.