Addressing a press conference at Maghtab, AD chairperson Dr Harry Vassallo expressed AD’s concern that despite the tight deadlines imposed by the European Union Malta is lagging behind schedule in the implementation of a proper waste separation system.

“It is a great misfortune that the government has wasted precious years before embarking on an effective waste management strategy. AD was the first to call for the closure of Maghtab 14 years ago. Unfortunately the government started acting on this issue a couple of years ago and till now the country lacks an effective waste separation policy. While voting on 12 June voters should keep Maghtab in their minds.

“Without a proper waste separation system it is not possible to have risk free engineered landfills. In the absence of waste separation, dangerous substances might end up mixed with domestic waste and thus another Maghtab would be created at Tal-Ghallis or in any site chosen as a temporary landfill. The government must invest in a massive educational campaign to bring about a much needed cultural change in this sector. AD is also calling for a fiscal policy which would incentive the reduction, recycling and reuse of waste while penalising the creation of more waste”.

AD candidate Arnold Cassola called on the government to make its position clear on the development of a temporary landfill near the Mnajdra World Heritage Site.

“It is positive that the government has bowed to the pressure of AD and Maltese civil society and has declared that it is reconsidering the decision to develop a landfill in Mnajdra. On the other hand the government has made it clear that it is not excluding the possibility of developing this landfill. We hope that this is not a sheer electoral tactic to avoid criticism during the European election campaign.”