Sample of grit collected yesterday by a reader from Paola.

Malta Industrial Parks yesterday halted unauthorised blasting works at Corradino industrial zone following inquiries by this newspaper.

However, the government agency could not say which company or entity was carrying out the works.

A journalist from the Times of Malta who went on site after being alerted to the works by an anonymous caller witnessed an employee donning full-protective gear and blasting a large metal structure used in the oil exploration industry.

Blasting is normally used to remove contaminants or paint from a surface by firing a jet of compressed air, liquid or hard particles like sand.

On Wednesday afternoon, this newspaper received complaints that plumes of dust were rising into the air from an open site adjacent to the Corradino sports pavilion, close to the Civil Protection Department station.

“Such activity may pose hazards for sports enthusiasts, including children who frequent the numerous facilities in this area, like the basketball pavilion, a tennis club and a hockey pitch,” an anonymous caller said.

The area was cordoned off by makeshift hoarding, but the dust plumes generated by the activity were still very evident.

Contacted by this newspaper, an Economy Ministry spokesman said that Malta Industrial Parks, which managed this industrial area, had taken the necessary steps to stop the activity. He also pointed out that, were it not for the media, the entity would not have been aware of what was going on.

The planning authority said it was investigating when asked whether the activity was covered by the necessary permits.