Nationalist MP attacks choice of sites

Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando is strongly opposing government plans to use two quarries in the limits of Qrendi as temporary landfills for domestic waste.

Dr Pullicino Orlando said he was sorely disappointed he had only learned about the government's intention from the news media. "It is a shame that government MPs in general, MPs of the seventh district as well as the local councils of Siggiewi and Qrendi were not consulted about the issue."

Speaking to The Times yesterday, Dr Pullicino Orlando said that as a government MP he felt it his duty to speak out against the proposal. "I cannot understand why they had to choose one of the most picturesque areas in Malta, between Ghar Lapsi and Wied iz-Zurrieq, which also happens to be very close to Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples.

"These two quarries should have never been given a permit in the first place. They are an eyesore. Dumping the waste of the whole island in them is not the way to restore them."

The quarries will be used for about two years, until another site known as Ghallis ta' Gewwa, in the limits of Naxxar, is ready to replace Maghtab, which has to be closed down by the time Malta becomes an EU member next May.

Infrastructure and Resources Minister Ninu Zammit has said that due to the need to extract significant volumes of usable rock from the Ghallis site and also because operations need to be phased in, an interim facility was necessary.

The structure plan proposes that waste should be disposed of in a suitably controlled landfill, ideally a disused quarry, subject to environmental safeguards. The EU landfill and ground water directives also stress the need to protect ground water from the potential pollution from such facilities.

According to Mr Zammit, the chosen sites of ix-Xaghra tal-Maghlaq and Il-Qasam il-Kbir, in the limits of Qrendi, offered the only options, with the added benefit that the two quarries have greatly reduced the geomorphologic and scenic value of the area and, therefore, need to be restored.

But Dr Pullicino Orlando is not convinced.

"In his speech to parliament on behalf of government, the President had said the time was ripe for the renewal of certain zones like Ghar Lapsi and Wied Iz-Zurrieq. Surely converting the area into a huge rubbish dump will not enhance it in any way. Restoring the two quarries can be done in a much more environmentally friendly manner."

Dr Pullicino Orlando said the project would harm the environment in the area. "It will mean that a significant number of waste disposal trucks will start passing through Siggiewi and that we shall start dumping waste in an area close to the Ghar Lapsi reverse osmosis plant, where water is drawn just below the valley."

He also said the dumping of the waste so close to the Mnajdra and Hagar Qim temples was shameful. "Is it right the two rubbish damps will now serve as a backdrop to these priceless temples?"

In addition, Dr Pullicino Orlando said, the Maltese and tourists visiting the temples, Wied iz-Zurrieq and Ghar Lapsi will have to bear the smell of waste.

"The fact that the use of the two landfills is meant to be temporary is no excuse. I would also add that this will harm the tourism industry. Has anyone consulted with the Malta Tourism Authority about the impact on tourism?"

Does he feel comfortable attacking his own government?

Dr Pullicino Orlando promptly replied: "I am not attacking anyone. I just strongly disagree with this proposal. I would feel uncomfortable to stay quiet in the circumstances. I honestly believe that if this project is implemented it will seriously tarnish the image of the Nationalist Party and the government. This project is almost a sabotage of the government and the party I support."

What position would he take if the proposal reached the Malta Environment and Planning Authority?

"I will oppose it publicly in the same way I had opposed the proposed cement plant some years back. I am in politics to give a service and I am determined to do so."

He said that since the government had announced the proposed landfills in his districts, his constituents had come forward to see what stand he was going to take. "I owe it to my party, the government and my constituents to oppose the project."

Asked whether he believes there could have been more suitable quarries to locate the temporary landfills, he said the chosen area was the "worst case scenario".

"I am sure the Ministry of Resources and Infrastructure can find a more suitable location."

He said he would be raising the issue in parliament on Monday during question time.

The Qrendi council has also condemned the government's decision over the siting of the temporary landfills.