€50m Blokrete investment to stop dust emissions

Building materials producer Blokrete is to invest €50 million in a project to replace machinery and stop dust emissions at its large plant at Lija.

The production of dust from the plant - close to Lija Cemetery - has been the source of complaint for over 40 years. In the 1960s Mabel Strickland - who lived close by at Villa Parisio - took the plant to court because the white dust it produced was blown by the wind over Lija.

More recently Michael Zammit, a Lija resident, petitioned the European Commission to complain about the noise and dust produced by the plant and the effect on nearby residents. In response, the Commission confirmed that the particulate matter (PM10) it emitted was causing pollution in excess of levels permitted under EU legislation. MEP Simon Busuttil had also complained about the issue.

Managing Director Joseph Fenech said the new investment would see the installation of more efficient production facilities and they would be fully enclosed. New offices and commercial outlets would be built alongside the road.

He pointed out that the company had over the years taken several measures to reduce emissions and noise. For example, sprinklers had been installed to reduce the dust and the storage of the raw material was relocated further back from the road. Some years ago, Lm1 million were invested on measures to reduce noise.

He said the new investment would take between five and 10 years to complete.

Lija Mayor Ian Castaldi Paris and Dr Busuttil both welcomed the new project. Speaking on the site of the plant this morning, Dr Castaldi Paris said this was a victory for the people of Lija and the council was 100 percent behind the new investment.

Dr Busuttil referred to the EU findings on air pollution and said this investment sent a clear message that the rights of the people to a clean environment should be respected.