Residents of St Julian’s Balluta Bay continue to express dismay over the ongoing rat infestation plaguing the streets, despite months of complaints and appeals for intervention.

“I’d like to know what action the council is taking to exterminate this colony… apparently there are hundreds,” one local resident said, sharing footage of a number of rats frolicking near some rubbish bags in the busy locale.

According to Sean Gauci, a St Julian’s councillor, the issue remains unresolved after months of worry, posing significant risks to public health and safety.

“We have been repeatedly approached by concerned residents over sightings of large rat infestations, in-turn sharing this concern with the relevant authorities,” he said.

However, despite concerted efforts to address the problem, little progress has been made in effectively curbing the infestation.

The problem first came to light years ago, with reports resurfacing in August of last year.

“Lovin Malta’s coverage shed light on the emerging issue, yet the response from authorities has fallen short of expectations.”

And it wasn’t only him – another local resident said “Behind the public toilets, various cafes have a section in which they throw away garbage including organic waste. In other words rats have an assortment of eclairs, croissants and pizza every day, 24/7…”

And Shadow Minister for Climate Change Eve Borg Bonello said the rats were “just another symptom of the laissez-faire attitude that we’re seeing in every sector of governance.”

“Local councils have been totally cut off with most of their responsibilities being quietly absorbed by an ever-growing central government,” she said. “If a government isn’t meant to carry out its basic functions like garbage collection and keeping our streets clean, how can we trust it to have a vision catering for the next decades?”

As for Gauci, who residents continue to contact over the situation, he emphasised the lack of coordinated efforts and resources dedicated to tackling the problem at its root cause, including pest control measures and waste management strategies.

With multiple reports of rat infestations across the nation, the situation demands “immediate attention” to prevent further escalation.

Gauci urged the central government to prioritise the citizens’ well-being by allocating resources to combat the problem effectively.

He stressed the need for a national-scale response, extending beyond St Julian’s, to ensure the safety and tranquility of residents in towns and cities across Malta.

The persistence of the rat infestation underscores the urgency for action and underscores the importance of proactive measures to safeguard public health and maintain a clean and hygienic environment for all residents.