Victoria residents are mulling further action after the Planning Authority approved the installation of a 3,000-litre gas tank in the centre of the Gozitan capital, close to the recently restored bastions of the Ċitadella.
The underground LPG tank, just a few metres away from an elderly residence run by the Carmelite Sisters, will fuel an eternal-flame installation at the memorial to victims of war.
Some 25 objectors, including the Cathedral Chapter, raised concerns about the project, which was approved by the Planning Commission on Tuesday.
The objectors, several of whom filed a judicial protest against the proposed installation last December, have argued that the tank poses a threat to residents and runs counter to PA policy. They insist that shortcuts were taken in the construction of sleeves and ducts, which were not built to normal standards, and in their depth, for archaeological reasons.
Objectors said the location of the proposed tank was a fireworks drop-zone and the minimum distance required between it and the boundary wall was not observed
In a statement, the Nationalist Party said the government had ignored residents’ concerns and security in pushing ahead with plans for the tank.
“The PN agrees with a monument commemorating the siege in Gozo, but this should not create danger for residents and elderly people, simply to have an eternal flame in front of the monument,” shadow minister Chris Said.
In their submissions, the objectors said the location of the proposed tank was a fireworks drop-zone and said the minimum distance required between the gas tank and the boundary wall was not observed.
Moreover, they argue that safety measures proposed by the engineer – including CCTV cameras, flood lighting, gates and bollards – impinge on the culturally sensitive area and that monthly refilling will require the area to be cleared and streets closed, leaving residents to fend for themselves.
A Risk Assessment Report was commissioned for the project, but the report was only commissioned after the installation of ducts and pipelines. Objectors say there is now no way to inspect the buried pipelines for safety purposes.
The Superintendence for Cultural Heritage did not submit a reply to the PA when its feedback was sought as part of the statutory consultation process.
The tank will be buried at a depth of 1.2 metres, adjacent to the wall of the small parking area in front of the obelisk located at Castle Hill. The pipework route will pass through Triq it-Telgħa tal-Belt, across Triq Sir Adrian Dingli and beneath the surface of Independence Square.