As time passes, I become increasingly convinced that Labour MP Leo Brincat is still stuck in the Old Labour mindset. Instead of being capable of putting forward proposals, he is only concerned with planting fears and doubts. He did this in the past with regard to EU membership and the Sant‘Antnin waste recycling plant. This is what he is trying to do with regard to the incinerator in Marsa.
... until 2004, this was our country’s greatest environmental wound- George Pullicino
During the European Climate Change Commissioner’s visit, he tried to carry out a media stunt outside the incinerator. He asked whether carcasses from North Africa were being imported. He asked, yet with a tone of affirmation.
His allegations were investigated by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority but no irregularities or hint of truth surrounding his allegations were found. Mr Brincat knows that, nonetheless, the government established an independent investigation. Yet, instead of showing confidence in this board headed by a former magistrate and allowing it to carry out its work, he continued to shoot off allegations.
Like Labour, Mr Brincat believes in political interference and, therefore, does not have any confidence in the work of independent institutions in our country. He also believes in mud slinging.
Mr Brincat is not ready to admit that he made a mistake or that he probably misquoted internal Mepa correspondence.
The facts, as established by Mepa’s investigation, were that the Directorate General for Veterinary Services correctly ordered that all waste generated from ships having Libya as a port-of-call should be incinerated. This action was taken as a precaution for our farms and livestock. Mepa’s investigation confirms that carcasses were not imported from North Africa to be incinerated.
Mr Brincat should just bow his head and allow the board to carry out its work. This is what is required for political seriousness and responsibility.
I do not enjoy commenting in this way but I cannot allow Mr Brincat to shoot off allegations at a tangent. He is clearly uneasy with truth and facts – June 15.
Magħtab
Four years have passed since we promised that Magħtab would also bloom, a promise that is becoming a reality thanks to the investment of millions of euros coupled with a clear vision. The progress is now also visible, following the works that took place within the Magħtab mountain.
After removing about 700,000 tonnes of waste materials to ensure physical stability of its sides, 400 iron wells and 55 kilometres of pipes were installed to extract gases and treat them at a temperature of 1,000°C.
I am certain that that the hundreds of people who use the coast road everyday have observed the significant progress that has been made. At the moment, the entire surface of the old landfill is being capped to ensure that gases are only directed to the network. In the first phase of this landscaping project, 11 kilometres of rubble wall are also being built, together with 37 planting cells, which will allow the planting of thousands of trees and plants. A reservoir is also being built to store water for irrigation purposes.
While I accompanied the Prime Minister on a visit of the works, we had the opportunity to explain to journalists how €9 million had so far been spent and another €16 million would be spent.
The first landscaping phase of this project, which is taking place over an area that is the size of 50 football fields, is scheduled to be completed by this October. In 2013, the concluding phase will begin, whereby Magħtab will be transformed into a family park.
Touring the area today, it is almost difficult to remember that, until 2004, this was our country’s greatest environmental wound.
This is another concrete example of the way in which we are improving the quality of life for our children and families, also by returning this land to the public for recreational use. This was only possible through investment in an engineered landfill that will serve as a guarantee against mistakes that would lead to another infamous waste mountain – June 12.
Water
This week, I visited the works being carried out on the new Water Park in Buġibba. This park, which will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister on Saturday, consists of 17 water features distributed over 800 square metres of land. Children will be able to enjoy this park during the summer months from June until September.
The Water Park will be divided into three areas for children of different ages, each one colour coded, so that younger children would not end up overwhelmed by older children. One area will be dedicated to children younger than two years of age. Children of every age will benefit from a variety of games and activities, such as water loops, water umbrellas, parasols, bucket towers, palm springs and two water cannon.
All the water used in this park will be recycled and maintained in a reservoir beneath the park itself. It will be filtered and sanitised using UV sterilisation and chlorine, thus ensuring the safety of the water.
The park will be able to take up to 50 children at a time and will, therefore, operate by allowing in groups of children at a time. This will also ensure that everyone may have the opportunity to enjoy the park without the danger of overcrowding. We will also install a number of CCTV cameras, a locker room and sanitary services.
This is another high quality project that is taking place thanks to a government investment of €600,000 – June 6.
http://georgepullicino.blogspot.com
The author is Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs.