Stop ignoring Birżebbuġa residents, ADPD slams government

Complaints by Birżebbuġa residents about foul smells and sewage leaks caused by tuna recycling plant falling on deaf ears, ADPD said on Saturday,  questioning if the government is actually able to keep operators in check.

Joining the call of other activist groups, including Moviment Graffitti and Għaqda Storja u Kultura Birżebbuġa which called for the suspension of Birżebbuġa tuna plant, the Green Party demanded that operations be brought in line with health and safety measures at once.

Quality of life for residents of Birzebbugia has been negatively impacted over the years with projects like the Freeport, the airport, the Ħal Far industrial estate, and the Ħal Far racetrack, ADPD deputy general secretary Melissa Bagley said.

“The physical and mental well-being of people in the area is once again being compromised in the name of economic gain,” she added.

The tuna recycling plant operated by Aquaculture Resources Ltd plant started operating earlier this year, with effluent reaching residential areas in Birżebbuġa.

The operators have not accepted responsibility for the stench and sewage leaks affecting the area, saying steps have been taken to contain smells within the  plant.

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