PL candidate Leo Brincat has accused the PN of mishandling the Maghtab project.

Leo Brincat spoke about the PN’s promise regarding turning Maghtab into a park, claiming that the PL have not kept this promise.

In 2010, Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs George Pullicino had promised that the ‘smells’ in Maghtab had to end. In 2007, the Minister had promised to build a park, Leo Brincat said. “None of this has been done,” he said.

A few days ago, the PN admitted that Maghtab was supposed to close in 2004, the PL candidate said. The PN also promised to open a horse riding course around the landscaped landfill last Summer, however this did not come to pass, he said. He mentioned that no independent audits were ever made regarding non-treated garbage being sent to the tal-Ghallis landfill. He spoke of a risk assessment and survey which were supposed to take place on this site, however never did.

Leo Brincat mentioned that contrary to regulations, hazardous waste is being landfilled in areas reserved for non-hazardous waste. He asked why the footprint for of the tal-Ghallis Ladfill was ever granted, further questioning whether experts were consulted. Whilst the landfill is ever increasing, it looks like MEPA had approved this entire project, adding that a large part of the environmental budget is being used to mismanage waste. Leo Brincat understands that MEPA itself is not content with certain figures being provided by Wasteserv regarding Maghtab.