The Nationalist Party today said it was holding the Labour mayor and councillors of Munxar responsible after they refused to initiate legal proceedings to stop a controversial manure clamp from going operational tomorrow.

The Malta Independent on Sunday reported how residents are up in arms as the plant, which will be used for the management and storage of manure, will begin operating despite the detrimental effect it could have on the surrounding community. Sources also said that no planning application has yet been filed for a change of use of the area, formerly a cattle farm in Triq Zgħawri, to start functioning as a manure clamp.

Residents fear that truckloads of manure will start passing through the village square every day as there is only one road that leads to the site and will undoubtedly pose environmental and health risks to the community.

During an urgent meeting yesterday, the PN councillors insisted that the council request a warrant for prohibitory injunction but the Labour councillors did not agree, the Nationalist Party said in a statement.

PN spokesperson on Gozo Chris Said insisted that the Labour mayor should explain to the public why she is insisting that the council does not file for an injunction. “This warrant is urgently needed so that the clamp does not start operating on Wednesday. The plant will start operating without a permit and without there ever having been an environmental impact study.”

Said explained that the PN is not against farmers having a place for the treatment of animal waste but said it was against the location of this particular plant, near residences. He insisted that the government should find an alternative site for the plant, away from inhabited areas.

“Residents are right in opposing the clamp, and the Labour councillors should shoulder the responsibility if the plant starts operating tomorrow,” said PN MP David Stellini.

PN spokesman on agriculture Toni Bezzina said the government should reach a long-term agreement with farmers on waste treatment so that this would be transformed into an alternative resource, such as organic fertilizer or renewable energy. This had been proposed by the PN in its electoral manifesto, he said.