Gharb Council to hold referendum on application for new fireworks factory

Carmen Decelis

Sep 7th 2010, 12:01

What referendum? What new fireworks factory? Just build a shrine there to the poor family devastated by this tragedy and make a public declaration that never again will there be a fireworks factory anywhere near Gharb. Jew intom qatt m'hu se titghallmu?

D.Degaetano

Sep 7th 2010, 10:32

As article after article comes out in the news I'm astounded at the insensitivity of certain people!!! Couldn't these things have waited??? Is it really so necessary to be thinking about these things so soon after this tragedy?? These poor souls haven't even been buried and yet people are already worrying about building another factory so fireworks for next years's feasts can be manufactured!!! I can't believe this is actually happening......has the world really come to this?????

Joe Grima Brussels

Sep 7th 2010, 09:49

So, the victims have hardly been put to rest yet, and you are already deciding whether to build ANOTHER factory on the spot. After two explosions in five years (luckily the first one without victims).
My humble suggestion is that the Council clears the area, and create a lovely public garden on the spot, in memory of the six who perished. YOU should include THIS option in the referendum!

Tony Ellul

Sep 7th 2010, 09:39

Having a referendum on building a new factory is just a cop out on the council's part. All I ask is when is enough enough? How many more children need to lose a parent before the authorities take drastic action in phasing them out altogether. I think it is about time that the leaders of the two main political parties get together and agree on the government building one factory in Malta and one in Gozo under strict EU safety rules and standards when all parishes will be invited and obliged to purchase fireworks from this source. The two factories will then be fully monitored by the proper inspectors fully qualified for such tasks. Only this way can we avoid further diasters. Mr Apap please take the bull by the horn and show some courage in moving forward in the right direction. I know a number of enthusiasts might disagree with me but that is expected anyway.

R.Borg

Sep 7th 2010, 09:11

Indeed, there are many conflicts of interest not only in the Gharb Local Council but in every fireworks factory.
This could be a factor behind so much tragedies and loss of life.

James A. Tyrrell

Sep 7th 2010, 09:06

I just can't understand how the village festivities committee can apply at this time for a new factory to be built? Have they no feelings for the dead and their grieving relatives? This is just sick!

victor caruana

Sep 7th 2010, 08:43

They never learn.

An application for additional potential deaths. These are 'dillettanti' ...the reason. why so many explosions.

One is driven not to feel sad or sorry any more for such people again.

joe agius

Sep 7th 2010, 07:08

So.
Five human beings are dead. I am including the not yet born baby.Two are fighting for thier lives.
Not even 24 hours have passed.,and there is talk about referendum to build another fireworks factory!! Unbeleivable.You have reached the lowest of low.
I'm curious to see if this will be mentioned during the sermon at the funeral mass of these poor souls.
May the dead rest in peace,and the living pray for them.And not hold referendums for another factory.

Roberto Benetti

Sep 7th 2010, 06:38

Well... it's about time to hold a referendum on application to extend Gozo airstrip that will lead to quality tourism & general aviation growth!

Roberto Benetti
+356-79 896450 (MLA)
+97-1-553471787 (DXB)

Mario Callus

Sep 7th 2010, 06:06

This is nonsense! Such applications should be approved or rejected on the basis of whether rules (if they exist!) are adhered to and safety for residents is guaranteed. It's not a question of opinion. If the Gharb Council is not in a position to decide on such a basic and very important issue in the best interest of the residents, it shoud resign en bloc. This is abdication of responsibility by the Council.

Charles Alamango

Sep 7th 2010, 05:38

Condolences to all involved in this tragedy. I wish to make two obsevations, one is that it transpired the explosives that blew up were bought from various fireworks factories throughout Malta and Gozo - then why don't we just import fireworks or as many are suggesting employ just one or two well supervised and monitored central factories?
Second point is, since when are local councils being involved in the issuance of permits for factories?? That's the Mepa's responsibility as far as I know!!

L.Farrugia

Sep 7th 2010, 04:26

I presume that the factory was insured and it is up to the insurance to pay for the damages and not the Ghard Councils from our taxes

Chris Farrugia

Sep 7th 2010, 02:14

the bodies of 5 gozitans are still warm and we are already thinking of the next death trap.

charmaine borg

Sep 7th 2010, 00:31

how can xaghra village make the feast just d same ? where is the respect? may god give there familyies there help. i just saw tvm news and i saw a man who he is a member of xaghra band club and he said that they gave there solidarete to the victims, where is the solidarete ? with the flag of the priest? its really shame on him i m so sorry.

S. Caruana

Sep 7th 2010, 00:19

SHAME!!!!!!!! Gozithans way of grieving???? Unbelievable!!!! 'Conflicts of interest' in such a moment.... shameful! This confirms even more how right I've always been about Gozithans and their pockets!!

Karl Consiglio

Sep 7th 2010, 00:15

The victims have not even been buried yet and they are already debating this. Some people just never learn. Look we all make mistakes, but at least some of us learn from them.

Peter Shaw

Sep 6th 2010, 23:46

Build another factory! Why not! There is always a supply of volunteers ready to risk loosing their life!

Victor Fiorini

Sep 6th 2010, 22:52

Oh yes so next time someone ends up dead we can feel better since it was done though a democratic process. Oh Please! What right do the people in Gharb have over such delicate matters? Democracy in Malta has long been a joke.

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Sep 6th 2010, 21:36

And what if the explosion occurred whilst in transit through the villages leading from Mgarr to Gharb. Are we to await such an occurrence and as done in this instance appoint a board to investigate how and why?

What are the regulations governing the transport of fireworks? Do any exist?

I thought we had a department of health and safety in Malta, what exactly is its purpose other then to comply with the EU requirement of having such a department?

apgrech

Sep 6th 2010, 21:27

Oh, so a referendum might say - no firework factory in Gharb and then they build it in another village!!!!

David Cassar

Sep 6th 2010, 21:07

For starters, my sincere condolences to the Farrugia family. I do enjoy fireworks, but not at this cost of life. Mandatory that the authorities understand what corrective action to implement so as not to have a repeat of what has occurred over the past 12 months – the loss of seven lives.
One issue that has been troubling me: are the trucks carrying these fireworks from Malta to Gozo decaled/manifested as such during the ferry trip over to Gozo?
Are goods embarked on the Gozo ferry controlled in terms of hazard/safety risk?

Authorities hark and act.

M. Grech

Sep 6th 2010, 20:51

I beleive something similar was carried out 5 years ago prior to rebuilding the same factory when it blew up then. Though apparently there was opposition from the public not just this factory that was rebuilt but a permit was also issued for a third factory just below san Dimitri Chapel. Just who the hell is the council or the authorities trying to kid!!! Dmugh tal-kukkudrilli!!

Ray Buttigieg

Sep 6th 2010, 20:22

How can people think of such things so soon after such a terrible tragedy? How can the Xaghra village proceed with its festivities? I must say that Norman Lowell's perception of the Maltese race on the lines of 'Gahan Malti' is starting to win credibility with me.