It is unacceptable that the problem of black dust descending on a number of localities in the south of Malta is still to be properly addressed by the authorities.

The matter is a question of a simple chemical analysis and the fact that it has not yet been carried out lends credence to conspiracy theories that there is, in fact, something to hide after all – or that the authorities are suffering a bout of complacency on an issue that is affecting and concerning so many people, in fact, the populations of Fgura, Marsa, Tarxien and Paola.

Those localities, perhaps coincidentally or not, also have the highest instances of respiratory ailments, such as asthma, in the country.

There are several possible sources of the dust, from the power stations to traffic pollution, and from incinerators to even eruptions at Mt Etna – all of which, save the latter, have constant supplies. With Enemalta having already eliminated the power stations as the source, answers must be found – the problem, whatever it is, is more than a mere question of dust covering streets, porches and rooftops but one that is undoubtedly making its way into residents’ respiratory tracts.

The Labour Party is quite correct in demanding action as it did yesterday. The issue should not be political, as mayors pointed out yesterday. This is a question of the quality of life that the government is so prone to harp upon.

Enough harping, now is the time for concrete action – not just in terms of the mystery at hand but in terms of all types of airborne pollution scourging the country.