The Police Commissioner confirmed to the Qala mayor that not all fireworks destined for Gozo will be unloaded at Hondoq Bay, the mayor said in a statement

Other bays and ports will be used for such transport, the mayor said, thanking his fellow councillors for their work and support especially on this issue.

Earlier this morning, the Qala council said it will refuse to allow that all fireworks to be used in Gozo is transported from Malta to Hondoq ir-Rummien, a bay that is frequented by many swimmers.

In a statement signed by mayor Clint Azzopardi, the council said that it would not have tolerated this practice any more, saying it had raised the issue last year too.

The protest came in the wake of an explosion at the 12th May fireworks factory in Zebbug on Wednesday

The council appealed for this dangerous situation to be rectified. It suggested that the fireworks should be unloaded in the nearest port to the village where they will be used.

This will reduce the amount of fireworks that is transported through Qala, the council said.

It also requested the authorities concerned to inform the council each time fireworks are to be unloaded at Hondoq ir-Rummien for the council to be able to inform its residents.