Alternattiva Demokratika chairperson Harry Vassallo said that despite entry into the EU, the disposal of clinical waste from hospitals remained one of the government’s signal failures disappointing those in favour of EU membership and giving those against more reason to retain their negative positions.

Speaking at a press conference next to the Gozo hospital in Victoria, Victor Galea, Alternattiva Demokratika General Secretary added that in both Malta and Gozo public hospitals continued to operate incineration practices that were in no way more advanced than a backyard bonfire.

“While media attention has often been drawn to the chimney at St Luke’s Hospital, the one at the Gozo hospital has not often been mentioned. Because it is lower, there is even less dispersal of the toxins and pollutants that reach the residents in Tac-Cawla whose homes are adjacent to the hospital,” Victor Galea said.

He added that the government’s attempt to transfer the disposal of such hazardous waste to the incinerator installed at the Marsa abattoir is evidence of incompetence compounded unprofessionally.