Environmental NGO FAA has categorically condemned the "irresponsible" decision of the Planning Authority to approve yet another fireworks factory in the locality of Gharb.
Several fireworks factories are already located in the Gharb Valley, the site of two devastating explosions in 2010 and 2012 which claimed 10 lives. As a result, a referendum was called on whether the development of more fireworks factories in their locality should be permitted. Sixty per cent of residents voted against the introduction of more "deadly factories".
In 2009, MEPA had refused an application for the construction of a 20-square-metre agricultural store, yet now it allowed a 5,000 fireworks factory on the same site, within a few hundred metres of residences and of San Dimitri chapel which was recently restored.
The site lies also within a Special Area of Conservation which should mean the land is protected for its environmental value. This was also disregarded by the Planning Authority, FAA said.
"FAA strongly urges the University of Malta Chemistry Department to publish the studies that have been carried out regarding the air pollution caused by fireworks, as well as the carcinogenic qualities of the of firework as residue which falls to the ground and the effect on humans who consume agricultural produce grown on this ground.
FAA asks how the Planning Authority can so brazenly ignore the will of the people to protect themselves against the real threat that firework factories pose, and then go on to claim that it acts on behalf of the same community when its callous decisions are directly putting their lives at risk. After ignoring all the warnings the Government and the Planning Authority Board members cannot but be held responsible for the further loss of life that may result if tragedy were to strike yet again."
from The Malta Independent http://bit.ly/2R1b9DZ
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