Labour MP George Vella told Parliament on Monday that Mepa had reports in hand that showed the black dust, with its large particles, could not possibly come from traffic emissions of very small particles not surpassing 10 microns in size.
Speaking during the debate on the Prime Minister’s motion for the setting up of a select committee to collect all available information on the presence of black dust in the south of Malta, Dr Vella asked if transport was the main culprit, why was the phenomenon present only in parts of Malta and not throughout?
The government knew that several reports had said studied particles contained evidence of oxides that could come only from the combustion of fuel oil. There was no way this could be blamed on grit blasting from the shipyards. The government had simply spent years taking the people for a ride.
People fearing for their health should have their minds set at rest that large particles such as the black dust could not be inhaled because they dropped to the ground and formed layers all over.
The government was so insensitive to people’s health that it was getting ready to construct more roads through Fgura for access to SmartCity. This was real cause for concern.
Dr Vella wondered what sort of experts could be advising the government on such new roads through Fgura. The government would have to pay dearly to treat the consequences on people’s health.
Rather than just the black dust phenomenon, air quality must also be thought about.
The government had always played the issue down. It wanted to set up the committee now because by the time it was up and running and started to find solutions it would be close to the decommissioning of the Marsa power station, the only possible cause of the problem in Fgura and the surrounding area.
The government could boast of no credentials for air cleanliness. It was only Labour that had started checks in 1996-98 with reports of what people were inhaling and baseline investigations to monitor progress.
Concluding, Dr Vella said the committee must discuss not only black dust but go further without seeking to reinvent the wheel.
Opposition spokesman on resources Joe Mizzi said that when power station precipitators had been turned off, there had been a lot of pollution in the south of Malta and its environs. But in its reply Mepa had either washed its hands or shown it did not know what had happened.
Mepa had not only failed to perform its obligations but also misled the Prime Minister and Parliament. Mepa had neither the will nor the interest.
The Prime Minister had tried to give the impression that he would have established the select committee because the issue was of national interest. In reality this meant that he did not trust Mepa.
Turning to sand blasting, Mr Mizzi said that because this released toxic gases, he would, in future, file a formal complaint if it happened again.
Other opposition speakers contributing to the debate were Anġlu Farrugia, Helena Dalli, Carmelo Abela, Chris Agius, Stefan Buontempo, Owen Bonnici, Gino Cauchi, Michael Falzon, Roderick Galdes and Silvio Parnis.
The rest of the report will be carried tomorrow.