Gharb residents vote 'no' to fireworks factories
The Gharb fireworks explosion. Picture: Philip Cassar. mynews@timesofmalta.com
The people of Gharb voted today against having more fireworks factories in their locality.
A consultative referendum called by the local council in the wake of last September's fireworks tragedy found 60 per cent of voters against the granting of new permits, while 40% were in favour, the Mayor said.
The official result still has to be published.
491 people cast their vote.
Mayor David Apap said that while there were some 1,200 registered voters, turnout at elections in Gharb was usually about 800. The remaining registered voters do not ordinarily live in Gharb.
The referendum was called after six people died in a massive blast in a fireworks factory near Gharb on September 5.
The voters in the village were asked whether new fireworks factories should be allowed. The council had said when the referendum was announced that it was seeking the view of the residents in view of the fact that several members of the council had conflicts of interest and could not therefore decide on new applications for fireworks factories.
There is currently one pending application for a new fireworks factory - submitted by a group of Gharb residents.
The Mayor said the vote would now be discussed in the council and presented to the authorities and it was hoped that the people's will would be respected.
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A.Formosa
Dec 9th 2010, 16:29
only (280)23% of the electorate (1221) voted against so i can't find were the majority is opposing. in my opinion the people of Gharb doesn't care about opposing the fireworks factory project. Only 491 (40%) of the electorate voted so the other 60% (730) is not objecting about the firework factory of the Gharb's feast comity and then one has to add those who voted YES. this is a comedy and the result is not reflecting the message that the people wanted to give.
A Sacco
Dec 9th 2010, 10:19
I'm happy to see that common sense has prevailed in this case. To be honest, I was surprised.
David Pizzuto
Dec 9th 2010, 09:13
Well done Gharb
Joe Grima Brussels
Dec 9th 2010, 07:05
Who knows whether this decision will result in a few lives saved. The Gharb residents have spoken, and shown courage and wisdom in this decision. May other Local Councils have the courage to hold a similar referendum. It's useless to show sorrow, cancel feasts, and send flowers AFTER firework disasters. The action should be taken TO PREVENT such accidents.
joe camilleri
Dec 9th 2010, 06:29
Thank god that good sence has prevailed and other villages should follow this positive example to avoid further disastrous incidents with the loss of so many lives.
Ramon Casha
Dec 9th 2010, 06:00
A wise decision by the council, and by the voters. I hope that the authorities concerned take this into account.
J.Pace
Dec 8th 2010, 23:46
Well done Gharb residents. Finally this is a very mature decision. Maturity has won over fanatics.
Stephen Koludrovic
Dec 8th 2010, 21:38
There you are folks, a referendum, This is what democracy is all about
Frans Attard
Dec 8th 2010, 21:04
Let's hope that others will follow suit.
Raisa S
Dec 8th 2010, 20:40
Thank God...at last we are considering more the life of others rather than the temporal fun of a week or so which leads to various tragedies...
lesley kreupl
Dec 8th 2010, 20:34
If you didn't bother to vote, don't get upset next time there is an explosion and you no longer have a house or family to call your own (and of course no 3rd party insurance to cover the damages)!
Remember that next time, it might be right in front of your house, or the school where your children are happily trying to learn the 3 Rs!