GUERNSEY has the sewage system of a developing country, according to Deputy David De Lisle (pictured).

He believes the island needs to begin to plan for a treatment plant as soon as possible and hopes an amendment to the wastewater charges proposals will help push plans forward.

‘The sewage treatment plant is my first priority,’ he said. ‘We operate as a Third World country by using our water as a sewage dump.’

The plans for a wastewater charge were first put forward in 2007. It is estimated it will be an average of £100 per household.

An additional has been added to go specifically towards a treatment system.

Deputy De Lisle, seconded by Deputy Matt Fallaize, is calling for the amendment to be clarified to ensure money goes towards the planning of a sewage treatment plant.

‘We want assurances. This would mean using the money to put through planning enquiries and feasibility studies and would mean that by 2012, planning proposals would be ready to go.’