Every night, 60-year old Mario Caruana goes to sleep in the uneasy knowledge that a simple power cut could put his life at risk.
About a year ago, the large apartment block across the street from his home in Ta’ Xbiex installed a large generator in one of its underground garages.
Whenever the lights go out, and once a month for scheduled testing, the generator’s street-level exhaust vents flood the air with thick, acrid fumes.
For Mr Caruana, who suffers from serious heart problems and has had two heart attacks, the fumes could be lethal.
“I suffer from a disease which means a third of my heart isn’t working. So if I’m asleep and the generator is on for enough time, I may not wake up or I could end up in hospital with the possibility of having to carry around an oxygen tank for the rest of my life,” he said.
“I have reported the matter to the police, the health authorities, Mepa and the council.
“The police insist it is a matter for the health authorities while the health authorities say it is a police issue.”
In response to an e-mail sent by Mr Caruana to the Ta’ Xbiex council, seen by this newspaper, mayor Max Zammit said the council had filed a police report in writing and spoken to the owner of the apartment block on numerous occasions.
It’s like certain people can do whatever they want and nobody has the power to stop them
“All the time he apologises and insists that the matter will be solved shortly. However, we know the outcome and all our efforts are in vain,” Mr Zammit wrote.
Mr Caruana said the police had advised him that since the owner was covered by a permit, his only recourse would be to go to court.
“I don’t have the money for that, and anyway I wouldn’t stand a chance. He can hire any lawyer he wants,” he said. Visibly exasperated, Mr Caruana said he believed his only options were to move home or take matters into his own hands and seal the vent with a piece of plywood.
“But then I’m sure the police would be quick to respond. I just don’t know what to do anymore. It’s like certain people can do whatever they want and nobody has the power to stop them.”