Joseph Falzon, auditor at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, deplored Carmel Cacopardo’s intention to publish a report which Mepa has so far kept under wraps.

Mr Cacopardo, a candidate of Alternattiva Demokratika, is a former official at the auditor’s office. The report is about the Sant’Antnin waste recycling plant at Marsascala which has been strongly opposed by the residents.

Mr Falzon said the report was not yet concluded and needed to be reviewed in the light of developments about the plant. He added he had not concluded the report on the recommendation of the Ombudsman, who was of the opinion that until a decision by the planning appeals board on the issue, the report should not be published.

Mr Falzon said Mr Cacopardo had had access to the report because of the position he used to occupy and the report should not be used for political purposes.