Waste disposal practices

I refer to the letters by Gordon Edwards (July 2) and Jane Edwards (July 11) where a number of concerns regarding the Ta' Zwejra facility were raised.

WasteServ recognises the difficulties which Maghtab residents have had to endure for years and this is why the company will continue to persist in its ongoing efforts to improve the situation within this locality.

Maghtab residents, including Mr and Mrs Edwards, have met top officials from the Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment and WasteServ and a number of issues were highlighted for remediation. It is therefore unreasonable and disappointing that only a few days after a positive and proactive meeting both residents still keep insisting that the scenario has not changed since the closure of the uncontrolled Maghtab dump. None of the issues highlighted in the letters were brought up during the said meeting.

Since its establishment, WasteServ has taken concrete action and has been fighting the difficult battle to reverse past waste disposal practices. The Ta' Zwejra facility is far from being another Maghtab as opposed to the correspondents' insinuation. It is not the "publicity machine" that proves that this site is engineered but the fact that this facility is redeeming methane gas, a clean fuel that the old dump chooses to burn away liberally at a considerable environmental cost.

With regard to information on health and safety risks, WasteServ has installed equipment which is assisting in the sampling of dust, airborne particles and gases. This is being done to monitor the air quality at the Maghtab dump, Ta' Zwejra and its surroundings. The sampling is being conducted on a monthly basis. Periodically the equipment will be moved in different areas in order to get an even sample from within the confines of Maghtab. Data is made available to the competent authority for evaluation.

It is therefore unacceptable to depict a disastrous scenario when it is clear that a positive change is taking place, when we are now following the stringent European directives as well as gearing up in waste management expertise. The improvement is being implemented when the European Union has granted €8.4 million to rehabilitate Maghtab, Qortin and Wied Fulija for the benefit of not only the Maghtab community but also of all Malta and Gozo. Finally, Mr Edward's ironic, open invitation to conduct guided tours at the facilities is completely uncalled for. WasteServ has always welcomed anyone wishing to view the facilities. The press were also invited on a number of occasions to report openly on current practices. However, the necessary steps will be taken against anyone entering the facility without the required permission and guidance. WasteServ is willing to implement the change which is needed in waste management and, moreover, we feel that only by involving the residents directly can this change be achieved. Shooting unfounded accusations is certainly not the way forward in achieving change and collaboration.