I refer to the comments made by Marsascala mayor Mario Calleja (TMIS, 10 November, “Biologist says persistent smells in Marsascala being ignored”) when contacted by your newspaper for his views, and those of the local council, on the opinion of biologist Joseph Buhagiar (who happens to be the expert engaged by Marsascala council to monitor the Sant’ Antnin recycling plant) on the cause of the persistent smells.

I am not questioning Dr Buhagiar’s remarks on these smells, or whether they are being ignored or not, but I assure everyone that residents have long complained about these pungent odours emanating from the Sant’ Antnin plant since its major upgrading costing nearly €32 million, partly financed by the EU. I do, however, have a funny feeling that the mayor was against the closure of the family park, even when environmental experts commissioned by the present government warned of a health hazard. I really think Mr Calleja’s ultimate concern should have been for the wellbeing of residents and not the popularity of the park.

From the beginning, many people were very sceptical about siting a family park next to something as obnoxious as a recycling plant. What disturbed me most was that Mr Calleja always refuted complaints of bad smells, as well as rodents and other pests, made by residents and on more than one occasion publicly emphasised that the problem of the smells had been resolved.

I remember when the employees of WasteServ – after years of working in such conditions – mustered up the courage, in front of the media, to confront the Minister for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change Leo Brincat about the infestation of rats in the plant and its environs. The mayor said not a word, knowing the many complaints that had been made by residents to the council regarding rats the size of cats playing hide and seek on their doorsteps, especially in the Bella Vista area. 

Having said all this, the family park should be enjoyed by everyone. After all, it was provided specifically as a Planning Gain and if such hazards are once again detected, the government is responsible for taking immediate action to safeguard not only our interests but also our health and that of our children.

David Pace

ST THOMAS BAY

MARSASCALA