Employees at Hexagon House in Marsa, who had been plagued by bad smells, finally returned to work following a three-month absence after the management assured them it would improve the air ventilation system.

On February 11, employees of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority had been directed by their unions not to work at the premises because of fears that nauseating smells could be harmful to their health.

An agreement was reached between the unions – Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s Professional Workers’ Union – during a conciliation meeting led by the director of industrial relations, the UĦM said.

Workers returned to the building yesterday after tests showed there was nothing dangerous about the smells. Studies confirmed that the source of the complaints was petroleum and Mepa has issued a stop order on some activities being carried out by Mediterranean Offshore Bunkering.

According to the agreement with the unions, Mepa will only allow bunkering to resume if the company provides plans showing it will safeguard the environment.

The Mepa management also assured workers it will improve the ventilation mechanism and monitor their health.