One recalls the accident that happened at the gas plant in Qajjenza on the 29 September, when residents had to be evacuated from their houses, and the one and only road had to be cordoned off.

Here, in the village of Kirkop, there is a gas plant as well, with the difference that if something similar to that of Qajjenza (which was only a gas leak), had to happen here; apart from having to evacuate residents from theirs houses, which are as close as 70 metres from the plant, the roads which will have to be cordoned off are the branches from the intersection that leads these roads to the villages of Kirkop, Safi, Zurrieq, Qrendi and Mqabba.

For anyone who needs to travel to and from any of these villages, the only other access is a long narrow road from Hal Far, or another road (which is in a bad state) from Ta’ Kandja. So just imagine the outcome of the commotion this will create.

Apart from this, one wonders, will all this affect the airport as well, considering that the runway is just across the road from the plant.

The intention of all this is to draw the attention of concerned authorities to consider the safety and peace of mind of all those who live nearby and/or travel close by this plant.

It is to be pointed out that this plant was built some time after the surrounding area was occupied by residential homes, and this, despite the advice that this was not the right site for the plant, as it is too close to residential areas and the intersection that leads to all the villages previously mentioned.

That time, 96 per cent of people were against the plant.

S. Debono

Kirkop