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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JosephB ajada
Apr 22nd 2008, 21:52
To V Farrugia
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?????
James Mizzi
Apr 22nd 2008, 21:25
@Chris Taulton
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.
mark tanti
Apr 22nd 2008, 21:09
For the attention of MUT, HANDS OFF ST.MICHAEL's LIJA FIRE WORKS FACTORY. Do not try to make an issue now with the excuse of the artifial grounds. If neccassary during our village feast the mentioned grounds will be covered with any type of nonflamable material available in the world. Mr Bencini you have more problems in the Education sector in which you should take a look at. Lija residents be aware this is the first move against our fire works factory.
James A. Tyrrell
Apr 22nd 2008, 21:00
As Michael Pace said, Naxxar has served as an eye-opener. The fact that something has been a way of life for many years does not mean that it should remain so.
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.
Franco Farrugia
Apr 22nd 2008, 19:28
@ Mr Toulton: So, is there never a time to wake up and see the wood for the trees, in your opinion? What was once overlooked, or worse, accepted, can never be put right? What kind of logic is this?
Michael Pace
Apr 22nd 2008, 18:56
To Chris Taulton,
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.
Matthew Vella
Apr 22nd 2008, 18:24
Mr Taulton is looking at things from a different angle. The students' interest were always highly regarded by the MUT. One must understand that by improving conditions for the academic staff, conditions for the students themselves are improved. Mr Bencini has to date been one of the best examples of how to lead such a union. Diplomacy and assertiveness were always projected and applied in a timely manner.
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.
V Farrugia
Apr 22nd 2008, 17:33
Great. Just Great. First it was fireworks factories near villas, now next to a school?!
Chris Taulton
Apr 22nd 2008, 16:28
Seems to me that the fireworks factory has been there for quite a long time. Is MUT trying to establish something by pulling out these factors?
Student's safety never seemed to be an issue in the past since this element has never been mentioned before.