The Labour Party’s energy proposal has dominated debates and discussions during the past few weeks. Kim Dalli roams the fishermen’s hamlet of Marsaxlokk to gauge the villagers’ preferences and opinions.
Anita Schembri, 31
I’m not really into politics and that sort of the thing but if the proposed gas power station is better for us, then I agree. From what I hear, gas is cleaner than oil. Regarding the transportation of gas, if proper studies are carried out, I don’t think they would go ahead with it if there’s the possibility of an accident.
Michael Barbara, 57
You hear both sides and both sides want to convince others that their own proposals are the best. In our view, over the past 25 years, the area surrounding the current power station has been destroyed. In the past, the place was an absolute oasis, swarming with fish.
Gas is always preferable to oil; it’s definitely cleaner.
Peter Fenech, 62
The current power station is making us ill. We’d love to get rid of it. As for the transportation of gas, lots of ships berth in the bay to offload fuel. It’s the norm.
Paul Bonnici, 75
I think Labour’s proposal would benefit us all. That would really help; gas is so much cleaner. I find no problem with the transportation of gas via ships.
Rosario Incorvaja, 76
Energy is necessary. I agree with Labour’s proposal if energy will be generated in a way that is not harmful and if the country can support such a system. However, if they’ll be placing an additional weight on my shoulders as part of a political whim, then I definitely do not agree. But if it is necessary, it should be built, as the other power station had been.
There were a lot of arguments regarding the current power station, there were a lot of people against it but, now that this new idea has been proposed, no one is talking except the politicians. The three local councils surrounding the power station have not even ventured to say a word. There definitely should be a public consultation before the decision is made.
Angelo Caruana, 33
We like Labour’s proposal but the problem is they will take up parts of the sea and Marsaxlokk Bay. Regarding the transportation of gas, it’s the same. They’re taking up stretches of sea. First they stole it away because of the Freeport, then because of the power station and now they’re going to keep stealing away parts of the sea. We’d like the area to remain as it is. It’s beautiful and families love to go swimming there. I have the feeling that the little we have left will also be taken away.
Joseph Cassar, 27
I think things should remain as they are.
John Marie Carabott, 75
Gas burns easily; it does not emit the same amount of waste. Whichever party is elected, if you have gas, they would need to construct a place where to store it. You can’t take it directly from the pipe. So, despite all the talk that the tanks will be as big as the Mosta dome, whoever is in power will still have to build storage. So it’s all mere politics talk because they try to criticise each other. Pipe or no pipe, you need storage.
John Cumbo, 78
Nowadays, you can’t even enjoy a stroll outside because of the smoke. There are a lot of ill people here and some are dying. I think it’s a good thing to switch to gas.
Ariane Barbara, 26
I believe that they can go ahead and destroy Delimara because it’s been ravaged since I can remember. For as long as I can recall, we have always lived with that monster of a chimney. The sea is being destroyed and air pollution clogs the air. If you go to Delimara nowadays, you’re greeted with a foul smell of sulphur that churns the stomach.
Frankly speaking, if Labour is saying the proposed gas power station will offer cleaner air, if the plant will be downsized, and if perhaps things will take a turn for the better, then I agree.
Catherine Cumbo, 78
Labour’s proposal would benefit us. Ever since the power station was built, there’s been a lot of sickness here in Marsaxlokk.