A police inspector yesterday told a court how construction waste was being dumped at sea and that although it is being claimed that this activity was covered by a 1995 permit, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority had confirmed that no such permit had been issued.

Police Inspector Alexander Miruzzi, who is heading the prosecution, told magistrate Jacqueline Padovani, presiding over the health sitting, that Malta Freeport architect Joe Bugeja and contractors Charles Polidano, known as Ic-Caqnu, Salvu Ellul and Anthony Bezzina were dumping construction waste at sea close to the Freeport.

The architect and the contractors are claiming that they were in possession of a permit issued by the then Planning Authority in 1995.

During yesterday’s sitting, Inspector Miruzzi explained that on 17 August last year, the police were informed that construction waste was being dumped illegally at sea near the Freeport. At the same time, similar complaints were being received by Mepa.

He said Mepa officials confirmed that no permits had been issued allowing the contractors to dump construction waste at sea.

He explained that after a meeting with Freeport architect Dr Bugeja, who was coordinating the activities, it was agreed that the dumping would stop until the matter was sorted. Dr Bugeja also informed the police that the works were covered by a permit issued in 1995.

The inspector explained how he spoke to Mr Polidano, Mr Ellul and Mr Bezzina, who all cooperated with the police and said that their works were covered by a permit.

Mr Ellul, who is a director of Elbros Construction Limited, gave police a copy of a contract between his company and Oil Tanking Limited, that was covered by the 1995 permit.

Mr Bezzina, who was one of the directors of Bezzina Maritime Services Limited, submitted a document issued by the Environment Protection Directorate. This document showed that his company had a permit to dump dredging material but not construction waste at sea.

The inspector said that Mr Polidano, as a director of Polidano Group Limited, showed the inspector a permit by the Planning Authority to dump material from the Tigne project, off the Grand Harbour.

The case continues.

Dr Michael Sciriha is appearing for Mr Polidano, Dr Jesmond Manicaro and Dr Joe Zammit Maemple appeared for Dr Bugeja, Dr Jason Azzopardi appeared for Mr Bezzina while Dr Beppe Fenech Adami appeared for Mr Ellul.