The recent exchange of statements between Alternattiva Demokratika and the Rural Affairs and Environment Ministry about the results of the Scott Wilson report on the Maghtab landfill was an example of how politics could be dirty.

AD set the ball rolling with a press conference claiming that parts of the report as posted on the ministry’s website were omitted, with the ministry replying that the full report was available the same day it was published.

The Green Party responded with another statement, now calling upon Minister George Pullicino not to panic each time someone comes out with a statement criticising him, apart from reiterating its previous claims. The ministry replied again, saying that Alternattiva were creating public alarm and sowing fear when there was no reason to do so.

It all boils down to a simple matter – AD’s insinuation that the ministry was attempting a cover-up, with the ministry saying this was not the case since all the interested parties could have access to the report.

The rest of the statements were attacks and counter-attacks, with Alternattiva pointing out contamination and pollution issues and the ministry countering that matters are not as bad as AD depicted them to be.

It is all a political game, with the two sides trying to win over support by saying what is favourable towards their cause and, conveniently, leaving out matters which would favour the other party.

To put matters into perspective, nobody expected the report to say that there are no problems. The Maghtab landfill issue has been on the political agenda for many years – everybody knew that it was not a pleasant site and that it had a negative impact on the environment and on our health.

What is important is that the site has now been closed, is no longer used as dumping ground and the government has come up with a programme to rehabilitate the area. This will take time but eventually there will be results.

It does not come as a surprise to anyone that the waste which has been piling up at Maghtab has resulted in the accumulation of toxic substances. The report makes it clear however that, for example, the levels of dioxin in zones close to the landfill are within the acceptable

levels established by the European Union for agricultural land.

There is a difference – a distinction that was not made by AD – between the findings of samples taken from the core of the landfill and those from the surrounding areas. It is also incomprehensible that, on the one hand, AD criticises the government that it is not doing enough to safeguard the environment and, on the other hand, complains that the government decided to carry out more tests than those stipulated by the EU.

Of course, Alternattiva’s concern about the environment we live in is commendable. The party has been in the forefront on environmental and health issues – its criticism has often been constructive and to the point.

Yet, on this matter, it failed to see the overall picture.

The Maghtab landfill is a problem which had to be addressed. For many years successive governments were criticised for not dealing with the problem and we all know what happened.

Now, no fewer than E8.4 million will be used for the rehabilitation of the site and, hopefully, the results will bear fruit.

We have now started to do something about it. As the saying goes, it’s better late than never. It will take a long time to see the benefit of such efforts but everything starts with a small step.