Fireworks factory near Naxxar schools worries teachers' union

The Malta Union of Teachers has expressed concern over the proximity of a fireworks factory to a complex of three schools in Naxxar and called on the education authorities to carry out an investigation into the matter.

The union has also advised the administration of Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School, the closest to the factory, to close down the recently-refurbished grounds nearest to the factory.

When contacted, Joseph Mangion, a member of St Michael's fireworks factory in Lija - which is the factory referred to by the MUT, pointed out that the factory was built in 1925 whereas the schools were constructed in the late 1950s.

"What's surprising is why are they complaining now," he said, adding that St Michael's fireworks factory was situated beyond the 183-metre legal distance (from an inhabited area) stipulated by law. In fact, he said, the factory was located about 200 metres away from the school.

Mr Mangion added that if the 183-metre limited was altered, most factories would have to close down and it would be the end of pyrotechnics in Malta.

Sources explained that the distance travelled by debris during an explosion was proportional to the amount of explosives stored within a factory. Regulations only governed amounts for two raw materials distributed on a monthly basis but did not consider the global amount of explosives stored.

The regulations also stipulate that the areas where (completed) fireworks are stored ought to be at least 20 metres away from stores of raw materials and from processing rooms and that these stores and processing rooms ought to be 10 metres away from each other, the sources explained.

The MUT said that concern about the proximity of the fireworks factory has been reaching the union ever since the March 12 tragedy in Naxxar. "The union is also informed that the area adjacent to these grounds is being used to launch aerial fireworks," the MUT said.

The union pointed out that the grounds of the Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School that were nearest to the factory had recently been fitted with artificial turf. There was concern that the turf could be damaged by residue from aerial fireworks.

The MUT called on the authorities to investigate such worries "in order to ascertain that there is no risk whatsoever to the safety of staff and students at the Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School and the other neighbouring schools".

When contacted yesterday evening, a spokesman for the Education Ministry said that whenever any worries were communicated to the ministry these were looked into it. However, it was too early to comment about any action taken over the MUT's comments.