The approval by the Mepa board of WasteServ’s application to build the new recycling plant at Sant’ Antnin is an insult to the residents of Marsascala. Studies and reports by independent technicians have shown that the entire process has been a complete sham right from the start and was conducted in such a way as to show that Sant’ Antnin is the one and only site in Malta suitable to accommodate this plant.

Not only was the outcome of the board’s vote a foregone conclusion but it also appears that Mepa was toeing the government’s line on this issue. After all, was it not the Prime Minister who, at a pubic meeting some months ago, declared that the recycling plant will be built in Marsascala?

It is also common knowledge that Minister George Pullicino is four-square behind the choice of Sant’ Antnin for the recycling plant. It is no wonder, therefore, that the general perception is that Mepa has, in the process, rendered itself “its master’s voice” in this matter.

The residents of Marsa-scala and those of neighbouring towns and villages have been badly let down and they cannot understand why

The Mepa board ignored the valid points raised from the floor at the public meeting of 21 December.

The amendments to the original plans were not exhibited, as is required by law.

The crucial voting on the application took place without any sort of deliberation by the board members.

The timing of the public meeting was also very odd and it seems to indicate panic on the part of Mepa. The process has, all of a sudden, been put on the fast track, probably after learning that the Committee Against The Proposed Recycling Plant has met EU Commissioner, Mr Stavros Dimas, and asked him to investigate.

Would it not have been prudent to stall the project for a little while to get Mr Stavros Dimas’ reaction first? Would it not have been a sign of goodwill on the part of Mepa had it waited for the Appeals Board’s decision on the outline development application before giving the green light to WasteServ, because the Constitutional Court’s ruling on this issue is also pending?

The Committee Against The Proposed Recycling Plant, representing thousands of local residents, has met Mr Dimas and asked him to investigate the whole issue of the Sant’ Antnin recycling plant. They have given Mr Dimas a detailed dossier which shows that Mepa has handled the whole process in a biased and non-transparent manner. It is hoped that he will investigate and intervene soon before it is too late.

The people of Malta voted “yes” for EU membership with a strong belief in EU justice and fairness. This is a chance for the EU to prove itself.

Frans Cilia

Marsascala