The black dust saga

The way the government is handling the black dust issue is simply unacceptable. Eight years after they reassured us that the problem was solved; we find ourselves once again faced with this problem. People living in the southern area of the country, like me and my relatives, have to remove a considerable amount of black dust from our roofs and gardens each day, hoping that one day this problem will eventually be solved.

Since being elected as a member of parliament in 1998, I remember the black dust problem was an ongoing issue which was being raised constantly in Parliament. In 1999 the then nationalist minister responsible for the environment when replying to a parliamentary question said that the government had to establish the source of this black dust. A few days ago in parliament a question concerning the air quality in Malta was asked to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi as minister responsible for MEPA. As in most cases, PM Lawrence Gonzi was not present to answer directly to the PQ’s and PS Mario DeMarco read the written reply.

Faced with a supplementary question about the black dust Mario DeMarco admitted that the government did not even know the source of this black dust. According to him it was hard to find families willing to participate in the study by giving samples of this black dust.

I believe that this was one of the most puerile excuses ever given in parliament. As an MP from the fourth district, several people came to me to report this problem and I am sure that desperate as they are with this problem, they will definitely help anyone who knocks on their door and promise them a solution.

The black dust is not just a problem of cleanliness but especially a problem of health. A study conducted by two doctors back in 2001 showed that the number of people admitted to hospital from an asthma attack from the localities of Santa Lucija, Tarxien and Paola doubled in five years. This is why the government should not just determine the source of the black dust but also conduct a study to establish the incidence of respiratory health problems in the areas affected by this problem.

Speaking about the source, I cannot avoid mentioning the way MEPA defended the Enemalta Corporation. Although one should not exclude other possible sources, it’s quite evident that the Marsa Power station is producing huge amounts of pollution and this was also demonstrated on footage shown on local television stations.

Citizens, especially those living in Tarxien, Paola, Santa Lucia, Gudja, Ghaxaq and Marsa deserve to be treated with much better respect. Lawrence Gonzi as a Prime Minister and minister for MEPA should stop taking people for a ride and give the authority a deadline to identify the ways to tackle this problem once and for all.