Marsascala residents file judicial protest

Marsascala residents have been suffering due to failed experiments for years and are not ready to risk another failed experiment, Chris Agius said yesterday.

Speaking outside the law courts Mr Agius, who lives in Marsascala, said 41 residents had filed a judicial protest holding Environment Minister George Pullicino and WasteServ Malta Ltd responsible for any damages suffered through development at the Sant' Antnin recycling plant.

In the protest, filed in the First Hall of the Civil Court, the residents explained that expanding the plant would definitely have a negative effect on their health, the value of their property and their way of life. It would also affect the flow of tourists to the area, their business and cultural sites.

Although the residents had already asked the minister and WasteServ to refrain from going ahead with the development application for an improvement of the Sant'Antnin composting plant and materials recovery site, they proceeded with their plans.

Like everyone in Malta and Gozo, Marsascala residents had the right to live without environmental degradation or an increase in toxic contamination in their home town. This right, they added, was also recognised by the United Nations.

The residents concluded the protest by appealing to the minister and WasteServe to stop the project and informed them that they were being held responsible for any damages they may suffer in future.

Mr Agius called for research on the level of health hazards, such as cancer in the area.

Dr Anglu Farrugia signed the protest.