The Local Council of Munxar, which holds a Labour Party majority, has formally objected to the proposed processing plant for livestock's manure in the locality, in a letter addressed to the Planning Authority and a number of Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries.
The Malta Independent on Sunday reported how residents are up in arms because the plant, which will be used for the management and storage of manure, will begin operating despite the detrimental effect it could have on the surrounding community as the only road to the site is through Munxar's centre.
Sources also said that no planning application has yet been filed for a change of use of the area, formerly a cattle farm in Triq Zgħawri, to start functioning as a manure processing plant.
In a government statement following statements made by PN spokesperson for Gozo Chris Said, the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry for Gozo would deny the claims insisting that ""Naturally, every project of this type needs to go through an independent planning process and this is why it is obvious that the project has not started since it has not even been processed by the concerned authorities."
"The Opposition should better inform itself before firing at random, the government's job is to follow the development process under the Planning Authority and the technical studies that are taking place, so decisions can be made according to independent and scientific analysis and consultation wherever there is need, and not by playing a partisan game."
However, in yesterday's Local Council meeting, a local councillor confirmed that a private operator had in fact informed residents and the councillor that he intended to begin operating without the necessary permits after Santa Marija Feast on 15 August.
Minister Justyne Caruana and Parliamentary Secretary Clint Camilleri have so far failed to answer questions sent regarding the issue.
Those receiving the letter were Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg, Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change Jose Herrera, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and the Property Market Chris Agius and Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Clint Camilleri.
The letter reads as follows:
"The Local Council would like to clarify its position regarding the possibility of the development located in a farm on Triq Zghawri in Munxar.
"Council was approached by a number of residents who are preoccupied with the fact that the site indicated will begin being used under a concession for the processing of manure from livestock.
"The fact that the council was informed that the project will start without necessarily cooperating with the permits needed from the authority.
"The council is making it clear now, even though we have never been approached by any government entity, that it is against the activity occurring in Munxar."
"This is due to the fact that this farm is close to our homes and would, therefore, be an inconvenience due to the smells it will emit and the potential health risks it poses due to the gases being emitted. It is also because the trucks will be forced to go through our square."
"This is unacceptable to the council and will take all the steps that may be necessary to safeguard the interests of our village and our residents."
"While it is hoped that this is not necessary and the possibility of carrying such activity be discarded immediately. The Council felt required to formally inform both the Planning Authority and the Minister for Gozo. The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Property Market and the Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights were copied by the correspondence so that our objection is recorded in writing."