Tuesday, 22nd April 2008 - 16:12CET
MUT orders grounds closed over fireworks safety concerns
The Malta Union of Teachers has advised the administration of Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School to close off part of the school grounds because of fears about a nearby fireworks factory. It has also called on the authorities to ascertain that there is no risk whatsoever to the safety of staff and students at this and neighbouring schools.
“Union officials have visited the grounds of Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School, the area closest to the fireworks factory. The union is also informed that the area adjacent to these grounds is being used to launch aerial fireworks," the MUT said.
"The MUT is calling on the education authorities to ascertain that there is no risk whatsoever to the safety of staff and students at the schools."
It said that the closure of the grounds was an interim preventive measure.
“It is truly a pity that these grounds, which have recently been refurbished and fitted with artificial turf, will have to be closed down to students due to the prevailing safety concerns. Moreover, the Union is also concerned about the fact that, if the practice of firing aerial fireworks in this area persists, there is serious risk of the turf of these grounds being burnt by fireworks.
“Once again, the MUT calls on the relevant authorities to investigate the legitimate concerns of all staff, students and parents,” the union said.
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Comments
To your info villas were built near fireworks factory not vice versa and also the school was built near the fireworks factory and not vice versa.
Fireworks factory shouldnt be moved..The school should be moved,,They knew that there was danger if they build it near the factory,,,so why they didnt realise before?????
What is the point exactly you want to make?
If the fireworks factory have been there for quite a long time... it could result that the danger has been present for all this time.
Now shall we remain passive?
The MUT is just asking that a risk assessment should be done and the level of risk shall be known to all.
This is a health and safety matter and the union is right in defending its members after all.
Fireworks are, always have been and hopefully always will be important to the culture of Malta. But nothing is more important than the lives of people and especially children. It doesn't matter which came first, a fireworks factory should never be close to any public area especially a school.
Naxxar has served as an eye-opener. Whoever thought danger was only virtual now knows it is very real. Congratulations to all - like MUT - who are ready to change their minds and say so.
Yes, if need be, now is the time to address certain arguments directly. The MUT should not always appear when there is a problem but should remain proactive in its work.
That the fireworks factory was there is another question altogether - what came first is not always what should leave last. As a nation we have matured in many aspects and this problem ought to be tackled by the competent authorities with due diligence and maturity. Mr Bencini's temporary solution is undoubtedly the most reasonable one and caters for a better degree of safety with regards to the staff and teachers at GCHSS.
Student's safety never seemed to be an issue in the past since this element has never been mentioned before.