€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.
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Joe Fenech
Oct 26th 2009, 10:28
What's so extraordinary about this? ALL FACTORIES should be like this!!! Could people of Zurrieq and San Pawl tat-Targa organise similar petitions against the factories nearby?
J.Brownie
Oct 26th 2009, 09:52
The Lija Local Council ( particulalry Dr Castaldi Paris ) and Dr Busuttil should be commended as things have started to move only thanks to their committed efforts. The 5-10 years hiatus to complete the project is however unconvincing and dissapointing, to say the least - suffering people cannot wait this long and some health consequences, especially on children are irrevissible . Furthermore, I would have expected the Naxxar local council to put some active pressure as well , because Naxxar residence are as affected by this plant's operation as the Lija's residents are.
Paul A Vella
Oct 25th 2009, 04:34
So it seems like this new development is to take 5 to 10 years to complete, wonder which part will take 10 years..is it the most important part of the job, which is to stop dust emissions or is it the building of the offices and new shopping center which would partly fund the project?
Do we ever learn in this country of ours, can we ever take the bull by the horns and bring it to heel?
J oatmon
Oct 24th 2009, 22:30
This is a big put on - this investment is about this company being forced to re-equip to meet EU regulations. They are not doing this out of the kindness or their hearts - they have to follow the EU regulations.
To me the 5-10 years is an absolute time wasting exercise, just to stall demands by residents, as long as possible.
If the government had a backbone, it would insist on immediate dust reducing measures, and not accept his 'con game' to continue 'as usual' for an indefinite period. They should be made by law to comply within 6 months with the EU anti pollution regulations, or have to pay very heavy daily fines for non compliance.
Joe Fenech
Oct 24th 2009, 22:22
About time!!!!!!! What about other similar companies? Go to the Ghar Lapsi Hills - thanks to Caqnu it looks like WInter Wonderland!!!
C Gatt
Oct 24th 2009, 20:41
5 to 10 years to complete?
What sort of project management is that?
By that reckoning doctors should tell their pregnant clients they are going to have between 1 and 2 children, a century should be reckoned at between 100 and 200 years, and the cost of the programme ( ie the loss the company will claim to be making between 25 and 50 million euro.
Perhaps the government should fine the company between 500,000 and 1 million euros for the number of years it takes to sort out this issue.
Jackie Rizzo
Oct 24th 2009, 14:44
I am happy to see that last comment that people have a right to a clean environment.Because we live in Triq L Avukat Carmelo Caruana Tas Silg Marsaxlokk and we live in an unmade road full of dust in summer and mud in winter.Apart from the fact that infront of us another power station wants to be built.What about us residents in the south,do we have the same rights????????????????????
Dr Busutill pleae take action
Mario Farrugia
Oct 24th 2009, 14:42
Mosta Targa Gap is in the same condition as a concrete factory stores raw materials without proper covering, leading to dust and sand particles all over the northern part of Mosta. Do we have to write to Simon Busuttil, take them to court or petition the European Commission. Or can't just MEPA do it's job?
Paul Barrett
Oct 24th 2009, 14:01
I presume that the plant will not be closed down "from five to ten years" until it is up to the standard so in the meantime, (i.e., for the next 10 years) just hold your breath.
laurence schembri
Oct 24th 2009, 13:52
It is not an investment, it is obligatory by law,sostop taking us for idiots please.
Joseph Borg
Oct 24th 2009, 12:18
50 million Euros?!!! What is he going to do? Is he going to face the streets he damaged outside his factory at Lije too? Is he going to remove that mountains of dust, sand and other materials that he stores? Nobody knows!
Joanne Micallef
Oct 24th 2009, 12:08
Well said Mr Fenech
Edward Fenech
Oct 24th 2009, 11:42
Cheeky Nationalists who want to ride on the EU ruling after allowing Mr. Fenech to do this to the Lija residents. The hero in this story is Dr. Michael Zammit who scored a victory for Lija residents and shamed the local politicians!
Joseph Stafrace
Oct 24th 2009, 11:34
Why should an investment of this type take 5 to 10 years to complete? I wouldn't self congratulate if I were Messrs. Castaldi and Busuttil!. Are we playing for time here?
Joseph Schembri
Oct 24th 2009, 11:28
Better late than never I suppose.