No mountain and no molehill

European Commissioner Stavros Dimas's reply to MEP Phillip Whitehead's question in connection with the Sant'Antnin waste recycling plant will hopefully put an end to a saga that people with interests that go much further than the well-being of the Zejtun residents instigated.

As substitute member of the environment, health and food safety committee of the European Parliament, I feel in duty bound to comment on the manner in which the whole affair was conducted.

We all know that this is not the first time the Malta Labour Party has made mountains out of molehills, using non-issues to deviate the public from reality and to undermine the government's agenda. Thanks to Commissioner Dimas' reply we know that this was not even the case of a molehill.

The letter sent to the members of the EP's environment, public health and food safety committee by the Zejtun local council was brought to my attention by several MEPs with whom I sit on the committee, week in week out. For those who are not familiar with parliamentary work, it is good to note that substitute MEPs sitting on a committee take as much an active part in committee work as the regular members and are even given administrative roles such as the one I carried out a few months ago as shadow rapporteur. However, if that may have eluded the Zejtun local council's attention, I do not think the fact that I am Maltese could have. Being shown a letter sent by fellow countrymen regarding your country to members of a committee you form part of but without you having any knowledge of it undermines credibility and gives rise to suspicion, apart from being cheap tricks.

The Socialist MEP tabled a parliamentary question on February 23 regarding the issue. The question is full of misinformation and incorrect suppositions. Thankfully, Commissioner Dimas and his Cabinet took an in-depth look into the matter and provided Mr Whitehead with the answers he sought.

Mr Whitehead said:

"A composting plant and waste recycling facility is to be built in Sant'Antnin, Zejtun."

Commissioner Dimas corrected:

"The project referred to by the honourable MEP consists in the redevelopment and upgrading of an existing waste treatment plant in the locality of Marsascala. It should be recalled that this is not a new project."

Mr Whitehead wrote:

"Within 300 metres of residential areas."

Commissioner Dimas corrected:

"1.5 kilometres from the centre of Marsascala and a similar distance from the centre of Zejtun."

Mr Whitehead also said:

"The Zejtun local council was not involved in either the preparation of the proposal or the impact assessment; neither were residents informed of the new plant's increased capacity over the existing installation. The impact assessment itself excluded other possible sites on the basis of reasons which apply equally to Sant'Antnin."

Commissioner Dimas corrected:

"Indeed the environmental impact assessment procedure, on which this information is based, included public consultation at different stages and the examination of three alternative locations of the project. The proposed location was identified as the most suitable."

Mr Whitehead said:

"It did not include an assessment of the economic impact, in the only tourist area in southern Malta."

Commissioner Dimas corrected:

"The economic aspects of the project were assessed through a cost benefit analysis and a financial analysis which are requested for the project appraisal needed for assistance from the Cohesion Fund. The analysis presented with the project detailed alternative technical solutions for the treatment and management of waste on the island."

Mr. Whitehead asked:

"What action is being taken to re-assess the financing or location of this recycling facility? Will the Commission ensure that local residents, businesses and authorities are consulted in any such re-assessment?"

Commissioner Dimas replied:

"The analysis presented with the project detailed alternative technical solutions for the treatment and management of waste on the island. Due to the urgency of the situation and limited land availability, the analysis implies that the 'footprint' of any new facility should be minimised as far as possible. This was the basis for the choice of the current site and the upgrading of the existing plant. Any mitigation measures necessitated by an increase in the plant's capacity, including those concerning odour emissions, noise and traffic, will be implemented according to European standards."

Contrary to Mr Whitehead, Commissioner Dimas studied the situation, was aware of the proceedings and answered accordingly. Therefore his answers were clear and concise.

Malta is to benefit from €17 million for this project which will not only ensure a waste recycling plant according to EU regulation but, moreover, enable the government to further its initiatives in ensuring that the Maltese citizen's quality of life is improved by making Malta a better place to live in.

As a member of the European Parliament from Malta I am more than willing to assist any local council or entity not withstanding its political alliance in obtaining the most from the European Union. All those in public office are there to act in the interest of our country and the citizens. Let's hope everyone is man enough to realise and practise this.

Mr Casa is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.