Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party (AD) said that the residents of Gharb and San Lawrenz are inconvenienced not only by being unable to use the main road leading to Victoria, but also by horrendous smoke pollution emanating from the road construction machinery and trucks that travel through the same residential areas.

A considerable number of complaints are being received by AD Gozo Regional Committee from these residents, AD said in a statement.

Tour operators are informing AD Gozo Regional Committee members that when exploring the Ta’ Pinu area their minibus passengers are being exposed to thick smoke and dust pollution.

The small village of Ghasri and its residents are most exposed to this smoke and dust pollution since all the traffic of Gharb, San Lawrenz and Ta’ Pinu has to pass through there. The residents cannot understand how the government can be so incapable of planning when the current work is only being done on the sides of the main road. All are amazed at how a mere 5km stretch of main road will take 18 months or longer to reconstruct, AD said.

“Although Gozo needs a decent road network, works should be carried out with unnecessary delays and not resulting in avoidable environmental costs. It is time for the government and the responsible departments to take immediate action,” said AD Chairperson, Harry Vassallo.

“Above all, the government must realise that the most damage is being done to the health of residents, especially young children and the elderly, living in the narrow lanes in the residential areas adjacent to the road works. It is high time the competent authorities realise that road work can be done in a responsible way with due respect being shown to residents and tourists alike in all aspects. Whether it is the government or private contractors carrying out the job, rigorous environmental guidelines and standards that prevent unnecessary pollution and inconveniences should be put into place, adhered to and enforced,” added Dr Vassallo.