The Marsa local council yesterday filed a judicial protest against WasteServ Malta, the Malta Planning and Environmental Authority, the Health Minister and the Environment Minister.

The protest was filed in relation to the issue of a permit by Mepa on 17 February 2006 “To install an incineration unit and adjacent cold store within incineration site at Public Abattoir to meet EU standards”.

The council made it clear that it was not against modernisation of the facility, adding that it believed that the modernisation will be of benefit to the residents of the locality. However it said that the facility will only be used to dispose of matter from the abattoir and that the council was never approached to discuss the possibility of the said incinerator for disposal of waste from St Luke’s and other toxic materials.

As a result, the council posted an objection to the application and this is still pending at Mepa. The council said that there was already a smog problem in the area and more waste being disposed of will continue to create more problems. The council contended that if the plans go through, it would present a real danger to the health of Marsa residents as well as the surrounding environment.

The council therefore appealed to all concerned to make sure that the Marsa residents’ interests were safeguarded especially in relation to health and the environment, holding the defendants responsible for any damages they may incur. Dr Aaron Mifsud Bonnici and Dr Abigail Galea signed the protest.