Ghajnsielem council reacts to local plan

Ghajnsielem council has criticised the proposal to set up a sewage treatment plant in Mgarr ix-Xini and a solid waste transfer station in the area known as Tal-Brieghen, or il-mizbla (rubbish dump), as the council refers to it.

Mayor Francis Cauchi feels that the sewage treatment plant should be set up in an area known as Tal-Fessej to ensure that the project is not an environmental eyesore. The council is standing firm on the issue of the solid waste transfer station - it is all out against its setting up in Ghajnsielem.

A detailed report, commissioned by the council, has been drawn up by Architect Edward Scerri.

The report states that Ghajnsielem council was not consulted in any way on the identification of a large site for the establishment of a solid waste transfer station and a sewage treatment plant.

The report points out that the draft local plan outlines the advantages of the site. In his report, Mr Scerri states that the chosen site has numerous disadvantages which outweigh any possible advantages. He listed the disadvantages:

¤ There is a distance of 30 metres between the site and the nearest dwelling and nine metres from the nearest farm.

¤ The site is not located in a central area in Gozo. This implies that unpacked waste will be transported a long distance through Gozo, passing through many inhabited areas.

¤ Most of the site (well over 80 per cent) consists of high quality agricultural land. The site forms part of a vast plain which produces the equivalent of one-third of Gozo's natural produce.

¤ The site is located on a prominent plateau which forms an integral part of Ghajnsielem.

¤ Access to the site is either through inhabited areas or from the front of the Gozo heliport terminal.

¤ The site is only 100 metres from land which has been earmarked as 'reserved for aviation purposes.'

¤ Ghajnsielem council has already objected to the siting of sewage treatment plant within the site at Ta' Mgarr ix-Xini.

¤ The site is far away from main public sewer routes leading to Ras il-Hobz.

¤ The site is located directly above one of Gozo's largest natural water storage areas.

¤ The site is located very close to a number of dwellings.

¤ The site crosses walking routes in Ghajnsielem and Xewkija.

The report maintains that the Environment Ministry had commissioned a study on the site at Ta' Mgarr ix-Xini and a site further south, closer to the sea, which Ghajnsielem favours.

"The conclusions of the study were practically all in favour of the site closer to the sea.

One therefore cannot understand how the site at Mgarr ix-Xini was opted for. One cannot understand even less how the site at Tal-Brieghen is now being identified for this purpose, considering the much greater visual impact such a development would have," the report adds.

A meeting for Ghajnsielem residents, with the participation of MEPA officials, Environment Minister Francis Zammit Dimech and Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono will be held at the Grand Hotel, Mgarr, on Friday at 6 p.m.

The meeting will be addressed by Dr Christopher Ciantar from the Waste Management and Sustainable Initiatives Unit within the Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure. Dr Ciantar will explain the project in detail and will answer any questions from the public.