During a public debate in Birzebbuga last Saturday, AD chairman Harry Vassallo reaffirmed his vision for the Maltese islands.

He said that once elected, AD members of Parliament within a coalition government would press for and prioritise renewable and alternative energy source.

Dr Vassallo questioned Minister Ninu Zammit, another speaker on the panel, who had claimed that the sea in Birzebbuga is regularly monitored for pollution purposes.

Dr Vassallo reminded that the test is simply for bacteria from sewage; it does not assess heavy metal residues.

Being in the proximity of the Freeport, these tests are a must.

He criticised the way things have been handled here wherein the southern parts of the island have been burdened with industrial and other environmentally-hazardous activity with no direct compensation at all.

Joseph Farrugia, mayor of Birzebbuga complained about lack of disposition and goodwill from some government ministers while he praised the promptness of others when alerted about some urgent matters which needed to be dealt with.

Birzebbuga residents who attended this event organised by AD Southern Regional Committee expressed their concerns and the need to give more attention to the problems of heavily-industrialised areas like Birzebbuga. AD spokesperson for the south of Malta chaired the discussion.

The discussion was followed by an entertainment spot by Maltese singers Marilena and Rita Pace.