Residents protest over fireworks let off from their road
Eight residents of Triq Rokku Buhagiar in Qrendi have filed a judicial protest requesting that fireworks not be launched from their road, as this was detrimental to their health and the safety of their homes.
They filed the protest against the chairman or the Explosives Committee, the Police Commissioner and the Attorney General.
They explained that fireworks for the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, to be held in three weeks time, were usually launched from their road and this was to the detriment of their health (as some suffered from medical conditions) and the safety of their property.
They said that this year they had complained the the relevant authorities requesting that the fireworks be launched from somewhere else. But, following a decision by the Explosives Committee, it was decided that the fireworks would again be fired from their road.
The residents argued that they were never consulted by the authorities despite having voiced their concerns. They called on the Explosives’ Committee to reconsider its decision and held the authorities liable in damages.
Lawyer Geoffrey Vella signed the protest.
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In Discussion
8 Comments
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Marianne Ellul
Jun 5th 2008, 23:27
Furthermore to what I have said, the new kazin of the rival club was built in the last 5 years and were aware that in that pjazza there will have fireworks burnt on Saturdays of the feast. Obviously they can choose not to expose their kazin with their fireworks smoke during their feast and take the fireworks elsewhere but of course they cannot make others change their venue after all these years for the sole purpose that they built a new kazin. They were aware before they built the kazin that it is the venue where fireworks are burnt year after year
Marianne Ellul
Jun 5th 2008, 23:23
My opinion is very simple. Fireworks are a tradition of the Maltese and it should be maintained. In this village I know that in the past years all precautions were taken to safeguard the interests of those who live in that street as well as rivalry club which happens to be in the same street. Perspex was used at all times and it was not a detriment to the residents. However this is all an opportunity that the residents have taken as the new pavimentar in the pjazza was placed this year. These arguments about not having fireworks there is unfounded or at least they can be done a bit further down the road where there are almost no residences of people but shops, which will certainly will not oblige as the sell out that they have during that week is incredible. This, in my opinion is all a challenge that the rivalry club wants to create just for the sake to try to cancel the feast which of course nobody will benefit from.
R Azzopardi
Jun 5th 2008, 20:56
In my comment I didn't mention any supporters.I just said it is crystal clear that its pure rivalry .Then if we are talking of someone with ulterior intentions then the whole picture changes. Let's put everything aside and enjoy this magnificent art of fireworks.Did anyone realise that our fireworks are best in the world.
JOSEPH BAJADA
Jun 5th 2008, 19:36
I agree with R Azzopardi...This has nothing to do with loud bangs and staff,,People like Steve Busitill and Francis Cassar with writing like that are making great harm to our old tradition that we are very proud with . this topic is all about rivalry between two band clubs.........Well done Maltese fireworks facories for your great and unique work ......
Chris Ebejer
Jun 5th 2008, 18:54
Mr R. Azoppardi should be informed that amongst those 8 residents there are supporters of the 2 rival clubs!
It is the mentioned club who kept insisting to fire ground fireworks from R. Buhagiar Street which has an ulterior intention!
R Azzopardi
Jun 5th 2008, 17:22
These previous comments are totally out of point. If you go deep in the story its nothing about loud bangs or streets being closed to traffic. Can't you see its simple hometown rivalry between two band clubs which is being stretched to its limits.
steve busuttil
Jun 5th 2008, 15:09
It is about time that Malta wakes up to the fact that not everyone enjoys pettards and other loud noises exploding above thier heads!
In Sliema i am surrounded by four churches who have their festa' within three weeks of each other and this means that for 3 weeks i feel like i am living in Baghdad! To top it all we have the weekly 'xalata' carcade going through Sliema every Monday (someone please explain why this is done!).
While i am deffintiely not against people celebrating their patron Saint, cannot these noisy celebrtations be done in an uninhabited area, without annoying every living creature within earshot?
Francis Cassar
Jun 5th 2008, 13:49
Msida has a similar problem. When fireworks are let off, it is not only a secondary road that is closed but a major artery. Regional Road is closed for a few hours blocking traffic from the North to the South and vice-versa. Some people even miss their flights since they arrive late at the airport due to this situation. Moreover if you leave home by car during the feast there is no way you can come back due to the road closure and long traffic jams. From this year it is even worse since Regional Road happens to be major route to the new hospital and people's lives may be at stake if they cannot make it on time either by car or ambulance. It is about time that alternative arrangements are made for fireworks and keep major roads open for traffic.