The government was this morning urged to establish the source of black soot-like dust which has been found in Tarxien, Fgura, Paola, and nearby localities.

The appeal was made by Opposition environment spokesman Leo Brincat at a press conference with the mayors of the localities.

The mayors said this was a problem which had been recurring for years and was most serious in summer. They said that months ago they sent samples to Mepa but were not told where the dust had originated from.

Mr Brincat said this situation should not be allowed to continue. The source of the dust needed to be established and political responsibility should be shouldered.

He insisted that Enemalta needed to install automated measuring systems on its power station chimneys in Marsa and Delimara to monitor the presence of particles in its emissions.

Last week the mayor of Tarxien indicated the Marsa power station as the possible source of the dust but Enemalta in a statement said there had been no increase in emissions.