NGOs welcome MEPA action on Birzebbuga scrapyard

The environment NGOs Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar and Ramblers Association have in a joint statement welcomed MEPA's announcement of direct action to seal off the Ta' Gasparell scrapyard.

FAA Coordinator Astrid Vella said that because of this scrapyard, the neighbours had to put up with decades of dirt, air polluted by grit and constant noise.

"MEPA's action offers them hope that the full dismantling of the abusive scrapyard may finally be in sight. It is to MEPA's credit that it did not wait for the conclusion of the appeal before taking action as this case has been dragging on for 14years. During that time the scrapyard continued to grow and even benefit from government contracts, while encroaching on potentially-rich archaeological ground near Borg in-Nadur and Ghar Dalam."

Ramblers' Secretary Alex Vella said that similar measures were sorely needed to make the Maltese countryside more attractive to locals and foreigners alike.

"For far too long now, scrap and other yards and quarries have been allowed to tarnish the Maltese countryside with impunity. Other yards, including the ones along the road leading to Birzebbugia, along the Burmarrad to St Pauls Bay main road, at Mgarr near the parish church, at Ta' Qali near the Crafts Village, and at many other areas, some of which are most prominently visible from important tourist sites, all need to be cleared," he said.