The environment was back on the national agenda this week. Earlier this week we were told that according to the findings of a Eurobarometre survey, the Maltese are “the most worried” EU citizens on the impact of “urbanisation” on the environment as well as on other environmental issues such as air pollution and waste generation. On the same day, the Nationalist Opposition revealed the worrying situation at the Sant’Antnin Plant and asked the government a number of questions about shady practices at the plant. Then, on Wednesday, it was announced that former Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella has been nominated as EU commissioner responsible for, among others, the environment.
Are we surprised?
It may have come as a surprise to some, but there are possibly simple explanations why the Maltese are worried about some environmental issues such as urbanisation and waste management. Buildings have been sprouting on pristine land for years. In the past 18 months, policies have been changed to implement pre-electoral promises that evidently won Labour a handful of votes. I am sure these facts must have found their way into the people’s subconscious. After all, some months ago the environmental NGOs had already felt the need to organise a national protest against the way this government is tackling environmental issues particularly land use.
On the positive side, it is a good thing that the Maltese are concerned about issues such as waste management, the use of water and electricity and air pollution. This could increase the effectiveness of educational campaigns on issues such as the need for the separation of waste, for example. Of course, I am sure getting the message across is not an easy task. But having an audience that is sensitive to such issue is a plus.
Sant’Antnin Plant
The Opposition, like the government and WasteServ, among others, have been receiving complaints about a persistent stench coming from the Sant’Antnin Plant in Marsascala. As shadow minister for the environment, I took these complaints very seriously and investigated them further. Meanwhile, I expected the people in power to have the decency to come out with a detailed explanation of what is causing this great inconvenience. But silence was the name of the game. When WasteServ reacted, it was to basically confirm what the Opposition already knew. The stench that is bothering the residents so much is as real as much as the reasons behind it. Of course, the ‘new administration’ at WasteServ found it very convenient to shift the blame on the previous government forgetting that Labour is now in government. Saying that the stench is the result of a change in the processes adapted at the plant is ridiculous. Has Sant’Antnin become some sort of laboratory where tests are carried out irrespective of the consequences?
As I pointed out at the news conference, our intention is to have this issue addressed as soon as possible and ensure that the plant, which was financed by both local and EU funds, is operated in the best possible manner for the benefit of all.
Karmenu Vella
Then, on Wednesday afternoon, the line-up of prospective EU commissioners was announced. If approved by the European Parliament (EP), Malta’s nominee, Karmenu Vella, will be responsible for the Environment, Fisheries and Maritime. While wishing Mr Vella the best of luck in the forthcoming grilling session with the EP, I cannot fail to comment on the irony of it all. If approved, Mr Vella will be responsible, among others, for the upholding of the Bird Directives in the various EU member states. He would need to deal with Malta’s Labour government which has decided to reverse a decision that had been taken not to allow trapping for a number of species. He would also need to deal with Joseph Muscat’s government on the spring hunting issue particularly if things keep getting out hand on Malta Taghna Lkoll land.
As EU commissioner responsible for the environment, Mr Vella would also need to keep a close eye on the way this government is allowing the destruction of land and the state of lawlessness brought about by Labour’s stream of promises to too many people. In itself, this state of fact is creating an injustice towards law-abiding citizens who prefer to earn their living through their efforts and hard work rather than because of their political allegiance. Labour is rewarding a section of the population to the detriment of others. As for environmental issues, certain decisions that are being taken will surely compromise the interests of future generations as well.
May he succeed in his new role but may he find new courage to speak out even against the government led by his own party in Malta. That would be a breath of fresh air when compared to the complete silence of those who are party to the free-for-all philosophy promoted by Muscat’s government. Maybe, as a report in The Guardian speculated, with this and other nominations President Juncker is perhaps effectively calling the bluff of a number of governments by putting these countries’ nominees in charge of policy areas they have problems with. Wouldn’t that be a smart move?
Charlo Bonnici is Shadow Minister for the Environment