Updated: Mepa investigating uprooting of carob tree
Photo: Alan Deidun
A mature carob tree reputed to be over 100 years old has uprooted by workers in San Gwann to the disgust of residents.
A spokesman for Mepa said this afternoon it had been informed of the incident by some residents and it immediately stopped the works to investigate.
Photo: Alan DeidunEnvironmentalist Alan Deidun said that the tree was presumably pulled down during works connected to the interconnector project.
He said that when confronted by shocked residents, the staff operating the machinery on site stated that the tree would be relocated. This, he said, was next to impossible, seeing how it had been butchered.
Dr Deidun said the workers also stated they had permits in hand - however, when confronted by residents, they started faltering.
He asked if the trenches - in Triq il-Baltiku, corner with Triq il-Bies, overlooking Wied l-Ghomor - could have been relocated by a few metres to spare the tree, if they were in fact connected to the interconnector project.
Since the interconnector was being partly funded by the EU, the union should ensure that its funds were not used to wreak environmental damage, he said adding that this was one of his proposals as an MEP candidate in 2009.
Dr Deidun hoped that the maximum fees in relation to such environmental liability were applied in full and that a modicum of rectification is applied.
Giving an example he said that at least 10 indigenous mature trees could be planted close to the same site, which was close to the scheduled Wied l-Ghomor valley.
“Has the legislation regarding environmental liability come into force in Malta, transposing the mother EU directive? If yes, this could be a perfect example where it could be applied by Mepa to punish the perpetrator, he said.
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A. Sciberras
Sep 3rd 2012, 15:59
What happened with the investigation?
Lino Busuttil
Aug 30th 2012, 23:15
Next is a new construction when the dust settles down. Nw no tree to protect, area is ready for greedy contractors.
Of course the tree comes second to interconnect, but it could have been bypassed, trenching is not that difficult to go round obstacles.
Steve Zammit
Aug 30th 2012, 20:46
tal-misthija
is anyone gonna be responsible for this?
Steve Zammit
Aug 30th 2012, 20:40
we lost another tree
up next ---> kennedy grove
Komplu kisru !
E. Azzopardi
Aug 30th 2012, 14:39
It's too late, it has been uprooted! We need to get out of our offices and go and see what is happening around the country. It will serve us as some excercise too in the meantime.
We cannot be at all places all of the time, but if the people know that you may appear at any time, then things will be different.
julian caruana
Aug 30th 2012, 14:33
u x' wied ghomor wied ghomor,,, dak ilu li spicca.
do the residents complaining about one tree realise how beautifull that area ( WHERE THEIR HOUSES ARE NOW BUILT) was, namely the thalt l ghar area, close to mensija chapel???
what these residents are worried about is that now instead of the harruba something else will come up , block their view and their houses value goes down,
true enviormentalist will NEVER buy a house built on virgin land....like these harruba lovers did
ps for the record my uncle is 90 years old and he always remebers that tree as a mature tall tree, so you can make that 200 years....
John Fenech
Aug 30th 2012, 11:56
The pictures in the article tell the story . Maybe the link below will tell another story about “wheels within wheels”, and also underpin Dr. Deidun suggestion about the replacement for the tree.
http://elcmalta.com/About
Charles Muscat
Aug 30th 2012, 11:53
Australia has anything the earth can offer except a HARRUBA so treasure IT.
Philip Mizzi
Aug 30th 2012, 11:15
I for one, pledge to vote for Dr Deidun should he run for MEP elections. This is not an isolated incident where Dr Deidun voiced his concern about our environment. Infact he has been consistently doing so for many years. Without such person's our environment would be in a worse state.
Dr Deidun has been exposing harm to the environment on a regular basis and I am sure that his contribution, together with that of other NGOs, makes a difference.
You are the voice of nature lovers and environmentalists who have no voice. Thank you.
Joseph Agius
Aug 30th 2012, 14:59
I share your opinion about Dr Deidun. Yet, he did present himself for MEP on the GonziPN ticket. Do you think it has made any difference to this government's treatment of the environment.
I too would vote Dr Deidun, but if he presented himself as a candidate for an Environmental Lobby.
Alexandra portelli
Aug 30th 2012, 10:53
This is another shameful act, one day after another these authorities show the lack of consideration to our environment...and us, all they know how to do is point fingers like children...nobody owns up and even if they do why should we tolerate this stupidity!! All these people of Mepa and Local Councils they are corrupt as can be and they care only about their pockets.....they can't care less about this tree or others!! Everywhere is being polluted, trees cut down and way to many buildings built, some places in Malta are horrible with all the concrete with no tree in site on the exception of some residents trying to put trees in their gardens, plants in balconies etc...like San Gwann, B'kara, Hamrun and many other localities. It's amazing that we give our votes to these people to run the country and they couldn't care less about what the people or the country needs.
Joseph Agius
Aug 30th 2012, 10:20
A beautiful, huge tree (similar to the one in the roundabout in front of the Vodafone offices at Iklin/B'kara) was recently removed from a small square in Censu Busuttil Street at L-Iklin. This was apparently done to satisfy a few residents living nearby; they now have a smaller triangular garden with two saplings.... and a car park. And the other residents? They can enjoy the sight of the others' beautiful cars.
So, can the Iklin Local Council and the MEPA answer the following questions:
1. What was the real reason for uprooting this magnificent tree?
2. What was done with the uprooted tree?
3. Was it the Local Council who asked for this uprooting?
4. Did the MEPA issue the relative permit?
Residents who did not need a parking place hope to receive an answer.
Lina Caruana
Aug 30th 2012, 10:15
How is it that the police cannot regulate the tree butchering in my private property? I cannot understand how laws are so manipulated and who facilitates it.
Mario Camilleri
Aug 30th 2012, 09:53
This is one of many!! One specific olive tree that had enough years that it could even recall the siege of Mdina if it could speak was cut to pieces overnight and disappeared. This was on the right of the bridge at the entrance on your way in to Mdina. On the left there is the other one still standing although a bit smaller than the one pulled down, but at least, one survived!
Joan Borg
Aug 30th 2012, 09:44
I'm speechless that this was allowed to happen. That field was perhaps not the nicest, but my children (and others) would go there to play at times. Now look at the mess and it's just been left like that! I am outraged!
Where else will they destroy for this tunnel? Is there a map/plan available online somewhere?
Ramon Saguna
Aug 30th 2012, 09:27
Nizlu sigra u tellghu ghaxra ohra u tmut hemm...
Terrence Seychell
Aug 30th 2012, 14:06
Probabilment ghalik cuccata imma ghal nies li japprezzaw l-importanza tal-ambjent ta' madwarom m'hijix. Fit-triq fejn nghix jien (il-Fgura) qas sigra imgiddma m'hemm u vera tidher kerha. Il-ftit li kien hemm nehhewhom flok ziduwhom, li ma taghmilx sens meta tqis li l-Fgura hui wiehed mill-aktar postijiet imnigges f'Malta!
francis agius
Aug 30th 2012, 09:27
TAL-MISTHIJA.....HADD MA HU RESPONSABBLI?
Victor Vella
Aug 30th 2012, 09:07
If the carob tree is already uprooting, what investigations the MEPA is going to conduct? The usual bluff. Now we are fed up of these jokes.
f vincenti
Aug 30th 2012, 09:02
The attitude on this Island has become one of ''so what'' , ''oh well'', ''who cares?'' and worse ''me myself & I and "..... You Jack"..... I blame the owners of the PROJECT and the CONTRACTOR who are legally required to oversee the works. People don't give a toss because its easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission on this island, the fines and repercussions of such deeds are a joke. Alain Deidun speaks sense. I agree that a modicum of rectification is applied. Astrid Vella below has also pointed out a very valid point - the 'trees' being replanted around the island are nothing but short saplings that will take another 50 years or more to mature. What amazes me is how just 60miles away from us in Sicily, the Carob trees are cared for, protected, nutured and trimmed into such magnificent giants. They revere their trees. Carob trees have been a mediterranean source of food for humans and animals for centuries. Who hasn't sampled the Sicilian Carob chocolate, carob powder for baking and other dietary goodness? Here in Malta we don't give a toss.... We chop and destroy anything that breathes, let alone dares to move. Shame on those who support such actions.
P. Attard
Aug 30th 2012, 08:48
Just yesterday morning a similar butchering took place in front of the 'Infants' entrance at Birkirkara primary school. Two mature, though somewhat overgrown, ficus trees were practically chopped down completely to the ground. Up to this morning the resulting massacre is still there to be witnessed by the kids themselves; those who are attending summer school. One of the gigantic branches fell on and smashed a small juniper (tal-gharar) tree that was planted by the kids some time ago. I wonder who was the professor after this massacre; whoever it is must be truly ashamed of himself!!!
Hugh Morris
Aug 30th 2012, 08:39
Come on! We're missing the wood for the trees here (no pun intended). The main priority is the interconnector here. Without it families will risk poverty in the future as they would not be able to afford the price of electricity. this is the only way out!
This is simply a case of collateral damage. Maybe after the interconnector is built, a whole bunch of trees can be planted - but afterwards in Stage 2.
Antonio Anastasi
Aug 30th 2012, 10:15
The main priority is protecting and preserving our fast diminishing natural heritage and environment.
Moving the interconnector 5M or 10M would have saved this tree and still given us affordable (a fact yet to be proven) electricity.
Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Aug 30th 2012, 07:27
I fully agree with Alan Deidun that in such circumstances proper rectification (rather than fines which simply go in the public purse or to MEPA) is the best solution. Rectification does not solely means transplanting uprooted trees or as in this case planting new mature trees but also the responsibility of nurturing them and paying for their upkeep and well being until a responsible person from the trees department certifies that they have reached a stage that they can survive on their own. We have seen to many butchered trees being supposedly transplanted .to a new site to become a dead stump after a short time. it is also time perhaps with the help of University students to create a geo register of all centuries old trees on the island to serve as an accessible database of trees to be protected. Probably such a project could attract EU funding.
Antonio Anastasi
Aug 30th 2012, 08:56
While reparation in the form of replacing tree destroyed illegally is commendable, no amount of trees planted in reparation can make up for the loss of an old tree especially a centenary carob tree
Seeing the constant and repeated infringements of the laws protecting our tree heritage by developers and the law needs to be changed so as to punish developers with not only fines and reparation, but also with the withdrawal of their permits.
MEPA should keep a book with the names of companies and their directors recording infringements. People on the list would not be favoured when government contracts come along or applications for development permits are put forward.
Also the fines and guarantees should be considerable enough to make developers think twice before infringing their permits
Josephine Muscat
Aug 30th 2012, 06:43
MEPA manage day by day......why should Alan Deidun be listened too all the time. Is this his Malta alone....let s get on with life......I want an interconnect or that functions and brings cheaper electricity to my home. The carob tree is second
Mark Cassar
Aug 30th 2012, 06:24
I am sure that the contractor responsible can more than make up for the negligence, incompetence and general disrespect for the environment, and plant and take care of 100 trees in the stead of the 100 year old tree. All it takes now is for the MEPA to act, and enforce. I suppose such government imposed actions would be wishful thinking. Governance best practice is a fallacy in Malta.
Anthony A. Mifsud
Aug 30th 2012, 06:05
Triq Wied Ghollieqa, same thing happened here, we had such a beautiful Carob Tree, now there is a Gate opening made of Bricks
I wonder why? was this approved by MEPA too? or the local council gave the green light to up root a tree older then 100 years
Ninu
steve Micallef
Aug 30th 2012, 05:31
''Mepa investigating uprooting of carob tree'' yeh yeh Malta Environment Protection Authority - with emphases on the word PROTECTION is investigating how on a small Island uprooted a tree that they are reasonable to PROTECT so they should re-brand MEPA to MEIA Malta Environment Investigation Authority. LOL
yes we believe all you tell us cwic Maltin.
Peter Bonello
Aug 30th 2012, 08:57
actually the P stands for Planning :P
vincent Lia
Aug 29th 2012, 23:19
When something like this happens why is it that the blame goes straight to the top, Mepa, minister or prime minister? Why not start with the person that actually 'butchered' the tree and then the site person in charge of the site and so on, and get answers from bottom up. I think that the persons on the shop floor so to speak should have more responsibility,
Christine Vella
Aug 29th 2012, 23:04
x'disgrace
M Grima
Aug 29th 2012, 23:03
If only MEPA had shown the same zeal in the sludge issue ........
Oswald Spiteri
Aug 29th 2012, 22:59
Something very similar is about to happen in Swieqi, where the Swieqi Local Council and the Ministry of Rural Affairs are heavily digging up and carrying rock excavation as part of the process to build the new Swieqi Local Council. I have already pointed this out to 'save the two carob trees' in a face book page.
James Tyrrell
Aug 29th 2012, 22:55
Given all the crazy things that happen one could almost begin to think that in cases like this the workers are simply told by someone in authority to pull the bloody thing out of the ground as it will save a lot of time trouble and money. Then of course MEPA appear and say they knew nothing about it and will begin an immediate investigation. The investigation will come to nothing of course, the tree will be cut up and sold as logs, no one will be called to book for the illegal destruction of the tree, and the work will continue. At least until they need to contact someone at MEPA regarding the next tree in their path!
Astrid Vella
Aug 29th 2012, 22:15
Dr. Deidun "said that at least 10 indigenous mature trees could be planted close to the same site" That's right, MATURE trees - not like the weedy saplings I've been seeing today in plantings all the way from Mellieha to San Gwann.
@ B Cachia, trees in urban areas should be treated as sacred because that's where they are needed most. Trees purify the air, reducing on pollution for residents, and buffer them from noise pollution too. Trees reduce the ambient temperature on hot days, and when planted near homes they can actually reduce on the need to use air conditioning. Trees absorb storm-waters, both through their leaves and through the ground, therefore reducing dangerous flooding of which we've seen a marked increase in recent years.
Finally scientific studies show that not only do trees benefit our physical health through the factors mentioned above, but they have been shown to also have a marked benefit on mental health conditions besides enhancing community socialisation, increasing the value of properties and ensuring the success of commercial areas..
Are those enough reasons to protect Malta's few urban trees?
f vincenti
Aug 30th 2012, 08:47
Well said Astrid...... sadly the ignorant few who want to get their 'project done' don't give two hoots about anything they destroy or uproot in the process. Such is the anarchy of this island.
Patrick Zammit
Aug 30th 2012, 09:09
Astrid, kindly allow me to add to your very valid comment. Trees store up and use CO2 and thus also help reduce global warming.
B. Cachia
Aug 30th 2012, 09:18
Astrid, nobody disputes the fact that trees in an urban environment are desirable, and that there should be more of them. What I fail to understand is why INDIVIDUAL trees cannot be moved or removed if necessary. The fact is that by making them so, we are ensuring that very few people will actually plant trees, because they know that if their needs change later on, they will not be able to remove them. Fundamentalism often achieves the exact opposite of what it claims to be its objective.
And, just for the record, I am not a developer and have nothing against trees or other forms of vegetation :)
Peter Simpson
Aug 29th 2012, 21:37
Mepa gave permission to Mellieha's mayor to uproot half a dozen trees which were more than a hundred years old: reason?........ bird's droppings!
Melaine Bugeja
Aug 30th 2012, 06:05
Shows you never parked your car there. Still those trees were replanted to another site in mellieha
Lino Busuttil
Aug 30th 2012, 06:26
The problem stems from MEPA itself and the lack of education on nature. Imagine in European cities trees are eliminated because of birds droppings !
Antonio Anastasi
Aug 30th 2012, 09:34
@ Melaine Bugeja....I do not think that you ever left this country to visit other European countries who have more trees and birds than us, yet we are the only country where bird dropping are used as an excuse to remove trees. Bird droppings can be removed with a quick wash and its a good as new, a replanted old tree has a 50% chance of surviving, and will take many years before it can give the benefits it was giving.
Please have a read of this on the benefits of trees, there are many more as well researched studies on the benefits of trees worth looking at.
http://northlandnemo.org/images/22BenefitsofUrbanStreetTrees.pdf
B. Storace
Aug 30th 2012, 09:48
Ms. Bugeja I see where you come from...................obviously someone who knows absolutely zilch about trees and their benefits but someone who insists on parking her car under a tree overnight.......another lack of general knowledge and observation. Trees give shade during the day while the birds are away looking for their next meal. They return to roost and the cycle continuous.
Tony Borg
Aug 29th 2012, 21:37
Unless there will be heavy fines, the same old story contiues. The excuse of relocating trees is a farce. You cannot ever relocate a 100 year old tree, especially when carried out by incompetent personnel.
This sorry saga we have in Malta of building without permits, chopping of trees willy nilly, business premesies without licences and various other illegalities must stop. The granting of a permit afterwards is pathetic and gives the wrong message that you might as well break every law and then pay a few euros, and I suspect after you talked to 'someone' and paid him a few euros to help you obtain a permit.
People are so frustrated and feel helpless, that even after all these daily reports nothing has changed.
WHO is running this country?
Jay Oatmon
Aug 29th 2012, 21:12
The usual problem with contractor's - amateur operations a disregard for regulations and non enforcement from the authorities.
I wonder if anything is taught in schools regarding compliance with the laws of Malta and social responsibilities?
John Spiteri Jones
Aug 29th 2012, 21:00
Din is sigra qed tara il MEPA ghax ma tarax minn kien responsabli biex johrog il permits jew min idisinja dik il hnizrija ta flats li imbniet fil ponta the tigne tas sliema, li irvinat il veduta sabiha kif kienet tider mill belt.
S Muscat
Aug 30th 2012, 09:14
John il-Mepa tiehu azzjoni meta n-nies jirrapurtaw jekk le kollox jibqa ghaddej u kulhadd jaghmel li rrid!!!
john muscat
Aug 29th 2012, 20:59
But MEPA is under two strong arms!!!Oh no, no one is responsible in this small island, or perhaps every one is on holiday and doesn't care.
Marisa Bugeja
Aug 29th 2012, 20:50
The removal of trees seems to have become the norm; something must be done before this island is turned into a sun-baked desert. NGOs please note and take a stand!
Tony Camilleri
Aug 29th 2012, 20:49
The law must be amended so that those who act likewise will not only think twice but will never do such things.
How about a heavy penalty such as €100,000 for every tree destroyed to be paid by everyone involved and the planting of 1,000 trees by everyone involved for every tree destroyed?
Mary Tanti
Aug 29th 2012, 20:33
Sorry if this was a planned big infrastructure project, surely the presence of this tree would have been known about? Would there not have been an environmental impact assesment made of such a project prior to planning permission being given for it? And why are not such old trees listed and protected across the island as in the first place - whether on private or public land? Here in London a big housing development had to be designed around a "protected" tree - this is quite common. And to those people who are saying that you do not need trees in urban areas - you actually need them more to purify the air - to provide shelter from the sun and breeze thru the movement of their leaves - apart from the positive mental health aspect of urban greenery. Remember the more the land is paved the more flooding you get.
mario salnitro
Aug 29th 2012, 20:16
if a hunter had to do the same which is very improbable i bet he would be heavily fined.
la legge non e uguale per tutti!!! Meditate gente meditate!!!
Patrick Zammit
Aug 30th 2012, 11:50
No, hunters are not heavily fined for destroying trees.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100824/local/hunters-plead-guilty-to-foresta-2000-vandalism.323827
Robert Lewis
Aug 29th 2012, 20:07
Always the same story, after the FU is done, Mepa intervenes, and no resignations. X'pajjiz tal banana.
Justin Spiteri
Aug 29th 2012, 20:03
A bit late in the day now is it not ,MEPA? it will take a hundred years to fix this mess.... literally... and thats if you plant a new tree in the same spot NOW.
alfred seguna
Aug 29th 2012, 19:44
Pajjiz miexi ghall- rihu.Bla Kap u bla Kuda.Kullhadd jaghmel li jrid.Hadd ma hu risponsabbli.Fejnhom l'esperti li jihallsu eluf ta liri biex ma jsirux affarijiet bhall dawn.Veru pajjiz tal misthija.Fejni l'Awtorita.Saghtejn ohra ninsew kollox ghax isir skandlu iehor.Issa nergaw naraw li il hmar iwahhal f'denbu.
Saviour Fenech
Aug 29th 2012, 22:20
Kemm baqa injoranza, hux
K Mizzi
Aug 29th 2012, 19:24
"immediately stopped the works to investigate" doesn't seem it was that immediately to me...the tree is lost
david debattista
Aug 29th 2012, 19:23
They should have their permit withdrawn , they know they are breaking the law They know they will pay some stupid fine considering the profit they will make . To hell with trees , Mepa and the environment !
UNITE AND FIGHT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT . MEPA CANNOT DO IT ALONE , WE , THE PEOPLE UNITED
CAN !!!!!!!!!!!! YES WE CAN , AND YES WE WILL . UNITE !
Richard Ian Borg
Aug 29th 2012, 19:20
Barbaric
B. Cachia
Aug 29th 2012, 19:20
I care for the environment as much as the next person, but I don't see why trees located in urban areas have to be treated as sacred objects. Protect the countryside by all means, and prevent any further encroachment, but urban areas are for people to live in.
James Aquilina
Aug 29th 2012, 19:31
Mr Cachia li kieku tkun taf kemm tiehu zmien biex tkabbar Harruba zgur ma tghidx hekk.
Jason Falzon
Aug 29th 2012, 19:40
Think for a moment what difference seeing from one's home window, a couple of trees and some flowers make to one's life, instead of the drab concrete and stone everywhere. Then come back and comment again.
B. Cachia
Aug 29th 2012, 19:40
So what, James? Din mhix l-unika harruba li tezisti u mhix se taqa' d-dinja. U lanqas ma naraha tip ta' sigra addattata ghal zoni urbani. Nahseb huwa iktar importanti li naraw li l-ftit kampanja li baqa' ma tinqeridx milli noqoghdu nelevaw sigar individwali ghal status sagru u noqoghdu nadurawhom.
Mr Tony Gatt
Aug 29th 2012, 19:51
Urban trees are the lungs of a city.
Antonio Anastasi
Aug 29th 2012, 20:00
Mr. Cachia, trees in urban areas have great financial, aesthetic and health benefits. All over Europe Urban trees are protected and to the extend that in most European countries this type of behavior would not be tolerated.
This particular tree was outside of a urban area.
On a last point there are countless streets, roads and developments named after the trees that once enhanced the location.
http://northlandnemo.org/images/22BenefitsofUrbanStreetTrees.pdf
Justin Spiteri
Aug 29th 2012, 20:04
The earth does not belong to us.... we belong to her. All it needs is a "sneeze" from mother earth (an earthquake) and whole urban areas cease to exist... :)
Charles Muscat
Aug 29th 2012, 21:07
In Sydney houses are so much among trees that you hardly see them.
Ray Pisani
Aug 29th 2012, 21:49
With respect Mr Cachia it is people like you and probably the majority of the Maltese who are spoiling Malta forever. Please remember that the tree in question removes toxic chemicals from the air and provides oxygen.
This tree was also there before the urban conglomoration spread out so in my mind and in other environment concious people the tree was a 'sacred object'. Unlike us humans the tree never harmed anyone and withstood the ravages of time, building, war and storms only to be pulled down like a rotten corpse.
Why do you think the tree was protected by law, it is true the law is an ass and Malta is the jungle where contractors and pathetic MEPA rule.
THE CONTRACTORS MUST REPLACE THIS MATURE CAROB TREE WITH ANOTHER MATURE CAROB TREE.
Shame on whoever is responsible.
It is heartening to note that other fellow citizens were upset over this incident.
Well done for reporting this and insist on a replacement mature carob tree that will embellish the area as the other did.
Another one bites the dust!
B. Cachia
Aug 29th 2012, 22:22
Obviously, I like trees and plants and flowers, and think there should be more of them in our towns, but not that individual trees should be accorded a sacred status and become untouchable. If a specific tree needs to be replanted or removed then why should such a fuss be made? It's not a sentient being and it is essentially replaceable. Once again, I'm talking about towns and cities here, not about the countryside.
Godfrey James Cassar Simmonds
Aug 30th 2012, 07:08
MIn jaf kieku ghamlu hekk quddiem id-dar tieghek? Filli jkollok sigra bl-ghasafar fuqha u f'daqqa wahda ssib in -nies jittawlu fuqek. Dizastru.
Patrick Zammit
Aug 30th 2012, 07:48
B Cachia, have you ever been to and appreciated an urban park like Central Park or Hyde Park?
If you have, I cannot fathom what made you write such a comment?
B. Cachia
Aug 30th 2012, 09:26
The key to have more trees in our urban areas is not to make a decision to plant one an irrevocable act. Governments have learnt this in the area of labour legislation, where they discovered that making it impossible to fire people makes it less likely that people will be hired in the first place.
The irony is that by making INDIVIDUAL trees sacred, we are ensuring that few people will ever plant any, and that we will have fewer of them around us.
Sean Swain
Aug 30th 2012, 09:55
@ B. Cachia
This is our major problem in Malta, poor planning of urban and residential areas. We NEED trees, its not just a want but a necessity, particularly when considering how over populated the country is, and the average 2 - 3 cars per family.
As Patrick Zammit commented before, Major cities like London, New York, Tokyo have massive parks providing breathing space in an urban area. We lack this. Now obviously, Cities like Tokyo and London are bigger then our entire country, but the only areas in Malta I know of with a good number of trees is Buskett and Mizieb, the rest is garieg.
The outcy is not because it is one tree either, but because it is a very old tree. I doubt any of the commenters here are 100 yrs old, so technically speaking that tree had more right to be there then the interconnecter that could have just been routed around it. Thats the point!
B. Storace
Aug 30th 2012, 09:58
Mr. Cachia, In the last couple of years and in the name of progress, upgrading and supposedly beautifying, TM has chopped down, uprooted and decimated thousands of mature trees and more are destined to follow in the same way if the Kennedy Grove / Salina proposed changes happen. Flowers are pretty and we should have more around but they are labour intensive to maintain and expensive to replace annually While trees are like cats....self sufficient........and are much much more beneficial to us humans. We need more and more trees to replace the ones that have been destroyed but please leave the palms for the North African countries where they belong.
Steve Zammit
Aug 30th 2012, 20:38
B Cahia prova kabbar harruba int ha tara kemm iddum biex tikber., imbagahd f siegha teqred sigra
A.f Ellul
Aug 29th 2012, 19:14
il-harruba hija lunika sigra li hija ta sahha ghal-bniedem u ghal-lart,Ga inqerdu hafna sigar tal-harrub min go malta,jekk ser inkomplu neqirdu ,qeghdin neqirdu lilna nfusna u nkabru il-mard ta l-ghazma,ahjar inhawlu kemm nifilhu harub ,ghallinqass ta warajna isibu is-sahha bhal ma ahna sibna meta gejna fid-dinja 60 nena ilu,min hu responsabli,ghandu jiehu hsieb tas-sahha.
Brian Farrugia
Aug 29th 2012, 19:06
The contractor not be allowed to apply for further tenders.
Someone has to pay for the damage.
jesmond zammit
Aug 29th 2012, 19:03
investigazzjoni ???? issa nqalaw....bhal faccati antiki tal embassy u tal kumpless tal hamrun , heqq waqaw hux xi trid taghmel .
anthony sultana
Aug 29th 2012, 18:55
My neighbour wants to built a house , because there was a carob tree in front of the plot MEPA refuse the permit.What is going on.
clive borg
Aug 29th 2012, 19:14
thats just a private plot... this is a government project
david debattista
Aug 29th 2012, 19:14
Let me tell you. The people responsible know they will pay some stupid fine but they will still break the law because they will still make a big profit . To hell with the trees and the environment !
david debattista
Aug 29th 2012, 19:27
CLIVE THEN WE ARE NOTHING BUT A SICK JOKE !
Frans Aguis
Aug 29th 2012, 18:53
First they instructed them now they are investigating.Let's hope we hear the conclusion of the investigation.
guido calleja
Aug 29th 2012, 18:38
mepa investigating what a big lough issa tard wisq i sigra spiccat
connie mifsud
Aug 29th 2012, 18:35
why not ask enemalta they are the ones who instructed contructor to dig area for works enamalta wants done in the area .enemalta gave the orders to its contructor :) it would be good sometimes if you get your facts right before you start blaming someone .
Joanne Micallef
Aug 29th 2012, 18:34
I can never understand how some simply take no pride in the hidden jewels this island has to offer, only to then go abroad to pay and stare in awe at some foreign nonsense
isabella vella
Aug 29th 2012, 18:31
Before we start judging .... why did mepa or Alan Deidun himself not contact enemalta immediately themselves - if contractor has been entrusted by enemalta to carry out same works??? surely this is no building site and no block of apartments are being built on this site so it must surely be true that forming part of the interconnector project... there are plans and orders from client - that is enemalta to prove the truth in all this??!!! why would contractor have interest to remove this tree or any other from where it was ... unless he was specifically instructed to do so by Enemalta??!!!!
K Mizzi
Aug 29th 2012, 18:31
Does MEPA have enforcement officers in Gozo? Please anyone answer my question...2 weeks ago I have made an anonymous report and nothing happened
Frans Aguis
Aug 29th 2012, 18:54
Take pictures and publish to the media only way to get something done.
K Mizzi
Aug 29th 2012, 19:21
It is incredible how fields are being built from a field room into villas in Xaghra and in Qala. ENFORCEMENT PLEASE OR MR NEW DIRECTOR U ARE GETTING MONEY 4 NOTHING
S Muscat
Aug 30th 2012, 09:20
What about the farms that are being built in fields!? No one objects and if you happen to make a complaint no one cares!!!
S Pace
Aug 29th 2012, 18:25
viva l MEPA. erbat ijiem dezert ha nsiru
T Mifsud
Aug 29th 2012, 18:25
All heavy machinery operators should have environmental care training about regulations prior to be given/renewed their licence.
Charles Zammit
Aug 29th 2012, 18:24
QUO VADIS MALTA ?
David Galea
Aug 29th 2012, 18:24
Some people do anything for money
Paul Borg
Aug 29th 2012, 18:23
U tas Swieqi Le fejn se jsir ic centru civiku ? Allajbierek
Mr Daniel Jones
Aug 29th 2012, 18:19
How much would it cost to buy a 100 yr old carob tree given that one approx 10 yrs old will cost about 3,000 euros?
The fine for such an act should be the worth of the tree times 10. This is the only language some people understand. That way, maybe they will think twice before doing the same thing again and act with more care for the environment.
clive borg
Aug 29th 2012, 18:15
So you mean not doing the interconnector for a carob tree?
First the turtles took our beach then the carob tree took our electricity resources......
Chris Gatt
Aug 29th 2012, 19:12
No Mr Borg. Why should it be either/or? And as Mr Deidun points out if we have to sacrifice the carob tree then this should be replaced. Its called the polluter pays principle. Its ultimately the price we must pay if we want our children to inherit a decent country not an ugly dump . It is also called far sighted as opposed the Maltese issa naraw mentality which is always short sighted.
clive borg
Aug 29th 2012, 19:28
And if you consider the price is simply a carob tree instead of marsa power station fumes....
Also in the article there is ''the staff operating the machinery on site stated that the tree would be relocated.''
anthony bartolo
Aug 29th 2012, 21:50
Ara vera ma hawnx x'tikritika biex sigra tal harrub taqla daqshekk inkwiet.Meta xi hadd qala s-sigar ta pjazza Sant Anna biex jinbena l-kiosk hadd ma fetah halqu.
Antonio Anastasi
Aug 29th 2012, 21:56
Clive Borg, there was the option of moving some 5 or 10 meters from the tree.
I find it amazing how here in Malta we have people with such narrow mindedness not to understand the importance of the environment, and go out of their way to apologize for all the natural heritage is lost.
Steve Zammit
Aug 30th 2012, 20:39
u hallina trid Clive, nies bhalek igeluni nibki, gej b'paroli 'First the turtles took our beach' minflok tifrah b'ahbar bhal dik, ha toqghod teqred, allavolja vera mhumiex se ifaqsu, ghax MEPA ghaziza taghna iddecidt ticaqlaqom u inbidlet it temperatura
Eric Camilleri (Q)
Aug 29th 2012, 18:12
The concept of "shoot first ask questions later" works perfectly in Malta. All in all there is hardly ever a punishment. Just as in the case of the Qawra sludge dumping. An apology is all the Mepa is asking for. Sickening.
Lino Busuttil
Aug 29th 2012, 18:08
Tree haters are out again.The simply fear the green shady shelter and the esthetic beauty a tree offers. How can you replace a100 year old carob tree?
Why does such a contractor still has a license?
MEPA stop being a sisy with these kind of people.
B. Cachia
Aug 29th 2012, 19:25
Lino, I don't think there are any 'tree haters', it's simply that people also have to live somewhere. Trees in urban areas should be planted for the convenience of residents (and not the other way round), trees in the countryside should be left alone.
Lino Busuttil
Aug 29th 2012, 19:32
Well B Cachia i tend to disagree a bit here. Ask any tourist from Europe about the striking difference from thiers and our urban areas? Why do you think we facinate our selves when visiting their cities and outskirts? Why are our front gardens most of them surfaced or tiled, is it because wecareca tree loving country?
B. Cachia
Aug 29th 2012, 22:15
It may well be that the reason no one plants trees in their front gardens in Malta is that once you do that, it's no longer your front garden but it becomes an area of public concern and you become susceptible to all kinds of regulations and possibly fines should you wish to remove or replace those trees. So people just avoid the hassle.
Sabrina Borda
Aug 29th 2012, 18:06
This is barbaric behaviour.
With all the consultants who encouraged this project then being merely signed off by boys at the top who do not give a damn, it shows arrogance is what Malta gets in return.
Sabrina Borda
Aug 29th 2012, 18:04
This is barbaric behaviour.
With all the consultants who encouraged this project then being merely signed off by boys at the top who do not give a damn, it shows arrogance is Malta gets in return.
Shaun Anthony Camilleri
Aug 29th 2012, 18:00
So MEPA does its little act to show that they do something but the trees are no longer. MEPA is useless.
B. Storace
Aug 29th 2012, 17:54
In spite of the man operating the digger who carried out this heinous deed, ultimately it should be MEPA that carries the brunt of the fault. After all they issued the permits and therefore carry the responsibility. The buck has to stop somewhere. MEPA collects monies from builders and contractors to supposedly create parking facilities (ha, ha, ha). Maybe MEPA should allocate a large plot of land or several smaller ones close to habitation and plant hundreds of trees indigenous to our Islands. The Island needs lungs and MEPA is in a position to provide them.
Johan Grech
Aug 29th 2012, 17:50
Were was the architect?
Why is it always the same contractors who are involved in this monkey business?
J.C. Borg
Aug 29th 2012, 17:48
Kemm ghandna min ihobb l-ambjent!!!
Imma li nibqghu jarmu l-pastic maz-zibel komuni ma jimpurtax.
Double-faced??????
William Wallace
Aug 29th 2012, 17:48
This Monster, just makes me laugh.
Where was the Monster, when some 18 carob trees, known to have been there for the past 100 years (seen in photos), at Pender Place, Paceville, were cut to pieces with a chain saw? and the rest of it dealt with an earth digger!!
Just plain simply , here is something that is not right.
Emmanuel Ebejer
Aug 29th 2012, 17:44
Mepa would do well to pay a visit to Ghaxaq behind the old fireworks factory. 2 carrub trees have almost been destroyed and the place is turning into a dump!
A Camilleri
Aug 29th 2012, 17:41
this kind of thing is going on all over the island, some get reported but most dont, one got chopped not far from us, and it belonged to you know who, not mentioning any names.
Lino Busuttil
Aug 29th 2012, 18:11
Why not? Names should be mentioned.
Though MEPA would no doubt be used to cover such people with necessary "
Illegitimate but legal" permits.
Mark Amaira
Aug 29th 2012, 17:31
Jiddispjaċini nara lil dal-pajjiż jaqa' f'dal-livell.
Kulħadd irid jibqa' jibni u pajjiżna qed infur b'bini bla użu jew bżonn.
Saħansitra ż-żoni industrijali huma bla pjan jew strateġija ta' spazju.
Aħseb u ara ż-żoni residenzjali, iċ-ċentri, u ż-żoni pubbliċi.
Il-ftit ġenerazzjoni żagħżugħa li fetħet moħħha, qed tirrealizza li l-ġenerazzjonijiet mis-sittinijiet 'l hawn qerdu u ħaxxnu buthom, uħud se jirtu ġid missierhom u l-biċċa l-kbira se jirtu pajjiż irrovinat.
Pereżempju, nibdew mill-bini tal-gvern flok it-tiġrif tal-gwerra fil-qalba tal-belt Valletta u l-Kottonera, grazzi għal Duminku, please ejja nċapċpulu flimkien... porkerija minn par idejn ta' perit... imma l-aqwa li mhawmx aktar tallaba fit-toroq... u nkomplu bil-patafluni ta' artijiet tal-gvern u r-ruxmata flettijiet fid-90ijiet u dal-aħħar... biex ilkoll insiru sid darna, inwaqqgħuha u nibnuha flett. Hekk, inkomplu nżidu mal-50,000 li hawn vojta.
Safrattant la triq u lanqas bankina m'aħna kapaċi nibnu, u nittamaw li nibnu mina taħt l-ilma.
O mexxejja. Ħallu f'idejn iż-żgħażagħ biex imexxu. Xbajna naraw l-istess uċuħ.
Agħtu ċans lil nifs ġdid fid-deċiżjonijiet il-kbar tal-pajjiż.
Iż-żgħażagħ veri jridu jagħmlu ħafna ġid b'ħilithom u mingħajr k-r-r-z-j-ni.
Chris Gatt
Aug 29th 2012, 19:14
finally an honest description of the eyesores left by the saviour-architect of Malta
S Muscat
Aug 30th 2012, 09:23
prosit Mark!!!
Joseph Sammut
Aug 29th 2012, 17:26
I have always contended that such wrong doings start at Client level and not at contractor level. One just cannot afford to let the contractor to his whims and expect not to be bitten. The sheer lack of supervision and contract control is unbelieveable. Look at what just happened at Xemxija to just menion a very recent occurance; look at the same cable being cut twice in the same day by the same contractor; look at the delays and chaos on major road works! The list is never ending.
Victor Pulis
Aug 29th 2012, 17:26
BARBARIANS!
Mr Jamie Frendo
Aug 29th 2012, 17:24
Dumping sludge into the see, uprooting 100 year old trees, perfect Malta just absolutely perfect, next we'll be having temples flattened to build a new airport or something stupid like that.......
Christopher Scerri
Aug 29th 2012, 17:23
FLIMKIEN KOLLOX POSSIBLI!!
alfred seguna
Aug 29th 2012, 17:20
This is an incredible Island where anything happens and no one is responsible.Everybody does what he likes and nobody seems to care.One foul makes you forget the previous one that happened a few hours before.Law of the jungle or even worse.Did it make a difference for the environment by joining the EU?Is the E U aware what kind of authorities we have? Do they know that in Malta we don't have any respect for the environment regardless of the laws that we boast about that we have to protect the environment. I am sure that in a few hours we discover another scandal.Should MEPA remain there because it was a complete failure.No one is ever responsible and no one ever resigns.
C Agius
Aug 29th 2012, 17:20
Oh yes and we want to attract quality tourists to what??? plain strips of tarmaced road and concrete blocks that look like chicken coops. Its enough to drive anyone insane!
Joseph Hollier
Aug 29th 2012, 17:19
Folly at its best.
renald williams
Aug 29th 2012, 17:18
and the war against trees continues ...
Neil Bugeja
Aug 29th 2012, 17:34
I'm glad to see That I am not the only one who thinks Malta is suddenly becoming a desert! Shame on whoever is responsible, be it Transport Malta, MEPA or whoever! This goes beyond politics
C Cassar
Aug 29th 2012, 17:16
Again, just like the driver who dumped the sludge in the bathing area in St Paul's Bay, this driver doesn't care a single hoot about the environment. He's paid euros to do this and his priority is those euros and the next meal whteher it's lunch or breakfast. What will it be, some pastizzi or a burger? That's much more priority that a stupid tree and with the euros he will earn he can buy beer, pizza or whatever, again more than a stupid tree. When he wakes up tomorrow, what difference has that tree made to his life? Absolutely nothing.
Lino Busuttil
Aug 29th 2012, 18:16
Sheer ignorance of the Maltese selfish idiot who thinks admiring trees at ta Qalli once every Sunday in the midst of thousands of polluting drivers is enough.
Plus the patronizing example of our great politicians that planting trees away from your home will compensate the ugliness such baroness in our residential environs creats.
Mr John Borg
Aug 29th 2012, 17:16
Contractor says he has permit
Permit issued by Council
Council blames MEPA
MEPA blames council
Council rebuts claim
MEPA further rebuts council's claim...
Oh...wait a minute...this was Qawra slip-way story 2 days ago? Sorry, got confused...Let's wait for the update on this story and find out
I Bugeja
Aug 29th 2012, 17:16
A hefty fine should be the solution. Not just hundreds of euros but thousands as the only deterrent that the maltese understand is money!
Alfie Lewis
Aug 29th 2012, 18:23
Mr Bugeja not even thousands but lets start talking millions , these contracts can afford it , they are ruining our country with the Governments blessing and their greed for money, sorry BIG MONEY
W Cassar
Aug 29th 2012, 17:15
We are leaving little for the next generation except for concrete and stone... Nice!
Saviour Grech
Aug 29th 2012, 17:09
Shame on the perpetrators of this heinous crime. Shame on the regulators responsible for monitoring the ongoing operation. Hopefully someone or some authority takes the trouble to investigate matter and take all necessary action to rectify situation.
J Curmi
Aug 29th 2012, 17:08
Shame on whoever was responsible to ensure that the carob tree in question was duly protected. Shame......
Colin Stanley
Aug 29th 2012, 17:07
do you think he is going to be punished? have you seen the name on the machinery?
Daniel Dimech
Aug 29th 2012, 17:12
you are so right
GL Calleja
Aug 29th 2012, 17:15
Money talks and bullshit walks...is that what you mean?
paul valletta
Aug 29th 2012, 17:52
you know that polidano hires the machinery to other contractors so becareful before you speak .
Ms Jessica Spiteri
Aug 29th 2012, 17:07
Gharukaza!! Certu nies li jridu jaghmlu go dan il-pajjiz! Dan ha jehel multa jew se jehlisa hafif?
Alfie Lewis
Aug 29th 2012, 17:02
Is there anybody that know what the hell is going on in this little tiny island?A tree over 100 years old massacred, yet a few kgs of tomatoes and everybody is in uproar. The mind boggles.
Daniel Dimech
Aug 29th 2012, 17:13
tadam imhassar ....
Lino Busuttil
Aug 29th 2012, 18:47
Rotten tomato, are you sure? It stinks and I don't think it will be used on people
I think it would most likely be second quality which means not very nice but good to eat just the same.
Anyway the tree is already gone, frustrating.
Mr Joseph Scicluna
Aug 29th 2012, 17:01
Min huwa responsabbli??? Hadd...is-soltu.
N. Agius
Aug 29th 2012, 16:58
These trees take hundreds of years to grow to that size. I have seen mature carob trees being removed all my life. I remember one in Zurrieq near Xarolla windmill had a tree trunk with a diameter of one metre or more. It used to make the area so nice.. Carob trees should be protected as they are evergreen and give a characteristic charm to a place like no other tree.
Mr John Borg
Aug 29th 2012, 17:17
Carob tress ARE protected
Paul Attard
Aug 29th 2012, 16:58
Malta may soon end up being one huge stone bunker. Take a look at Malta on Google Earth and you can see it speading like a virus.
Charles Grixti
Aug 29th 2012, 17:46
So true and so sad.
Adrian Camilleri
Aug 30th 2012, 10:01
The centre of Malta looks like a spreading cancer.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Aug 29th 2012, 16:58
"Relocating of trees" seems to be MEPA's latest excuse for destroying our trees. It would be good to know where the trees have been relocated to, and how many have actually survived.
Charles Grixti
Aug 29th 2012, 16:57
As a nation we value concrete and stone and not the vegetation and plants that sustain us. Our priorities are upside down and there is no end in sight to the destruction of nature's handiwork on these islands. Clearly we think we can do better than the Creator.
j dough
Aug 29th 2012, 16:57
what a shame!!!
no matter how many 'mature' trees are planted in it's stead, that one has still been killed.
Please choose the reason of your report below: