Mepa and trade unions have agree to jointly appoint experts to study the cause of noxious smells which have been the source of complaint by workers at the Mepa Environment Section offices in Hexagon House and others at Marsa Creek.

Until the study is completed, Hexagon House workers will work from home, UHM General Secretary Gejtu Vella said.

The development followed a protest this morning during the Mepa workers walked to the Mepa head office in Floriana.

They were led by representatives of their trade unions.

The workers complained that the stench, while being uncomfortable, also caused headaches, eye and throat soreness and pimples.

They said the smells seemed to be from a gas or oil substance. A waste oil treatment plant is located near by, but the workers said the source could also be some ships.

They complained that the stench had been evident for two years without any effective action to curtail it. At Hexagon House, the mechanical ventilation system had been closed down, but this had rendered the building 'airless'. The workers were sent home 50 times in the past two years.

On arrival at the Mepa head office, UHM General Secretary Gejtu Vella phoned members of the management and pointed out the irony that the Mepa environment section workers were themselves complaining about a poor environment.

He called on the chairman to send the workers home and certify that their offices were safe.

The union leaders then held a meeting with the management.