Marsa residents and groups this morning held an activity in which they expressed their concern "at the sudden and unexpected decision to relocate huge oil cleaning tanks, operated by the Falzon Group, to Marsa".
Whilst we welcome the removal of these tanks from the Ricasoli Fort in Kalkara, we strongly believe that the decision, itself kept under wraps, to place them in the middle of a residential area and an area of economic activity is endangering the health and lives of thousands of people and, thus, should be immediately revoked, Moviment Graffitti said.
The NGO organised the protest together with Marsa residents.
The cleaning of oil tanks is a hazardous process that produces toxic pollution and can lead to deadly explosions. Over the past weeks we have consulted experts in the field who have explained how Marsa, due to its topography and socio-economic activity, is not a suitable place for oil cleaning activity since fumes generated from oil cleaning will remain trapped in the town, close to residents, students and workers.
It is shocking that the decision to place the oil cleaning tanks in Marsa was taken in an arbitrary manner. No studies have been carried out so far to justify the relocation of the oil cleaning tanks in this locality. The company in question already has land and operations based in Marsa, which will be increased as a result of this deal. Thus, we have to ask whether such relocation was driven by the private economic interests of the operator instead of social, health and environmental considerations.
"It is equally shocking and unacceptable that this decision was taken behind the back of both residents as well as companies and schools in Marsa. In fact, we only came to know about it through the media," the movement said.
We also question whether our country really needs oil cleaning tanks. During the Parliamentary Committee of 19th April 2021, Minister Ian Borg justified an extension to the emphyteutical deed by claiming that the operator has not yet been given the permit to carry out this oil cleaning activity. Minister Borg’s claims, if true, raise serious questions about the need to have such an activity in Malta in the first place, since it would mean that for the past nine years no operator in Malta could conduct such operations. Why does this activity need to start now, and in Marsa?
Marsa has already been burdened by polluting activities and the town urgently needs a plan to improve the area through cleaner air and social spaces that foster wellbeing. The placement of this polluting and hazardous activity in Marsa goes in the opposite direction and flies in the face of promises to renew this area.
In view of the above, Marsa residents and groups declare that they will forcefully oppose the transfer of the oil cleaning tanks to their locality. Any decision on the transfer of these tanks should be taken after serious studies and public consultation. People’s health and wellbeing, and not private economic interests, should come first.