PD insists on a holistic approach to waste management
Both major political parties have taken a piecemeal approach to Waste Management during the years, Partit Demokratiku said yesterday, mostly decided by crises that various administrations have allowed to come to a head and it seems we are in for another of these scenarios.
It is obvious that the imminent filling up of the landfill at Maghtab is being used as a pretext to build an incinerator to “solve” part of the waste issue, PD said.
“The recent statements by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Environment, with regards to the decision to build an incinerator for the treatment of part of the waste generated in our country belies a total lack of vision with regards to Waste Management. The statement that the only three options considered are landfill, export and incineration underlines this.”
In this respect, Partit Demokratiku asked the Prime Minister to treat the electorate with more respect on matters of national importance.
With reference to the publication of the report of experts that recommended incineration, PD said pointed out that t had offered to participate in the consultation process on behalf of the Opposition once the PN had failed to nominate a representative.
“If Dr Muscat thinks that by mentioning two members of the board , however respectable they are, he is going to set our minds at rest, he is mistaken. If the decision has been taken and the indicated consultation is just going to be a smokescreen, he should have the political courage to say so.
“Whilst reserving the right to pronounce itself on incineration as a solution, PD reminds the government that a holistic approach to waste management is required. Nothing is being said on the need to reduce, reuse and recycle ,and if an incinerator is built the incentive to go for the three Rs will be drastically reduced.”
PD said Maltese society must look upon waste as a resource which has value both to the citizen (eg by deposit schemes) and for the country (by creating hundreds of jobs within the green economy). Instead government is finding the easy way out, which also has huge costs, both financial and environmental, which are not being taken into consideration.
“The PM has challenged the PN to come out with alternatives to his vision. Whilst not holding its breath, PD intends to take the initiative and will start issuing its policies on environmental sustainability. These will show how much we can achieve with a structured approach to waste management. It takes education, it takes a vision and a need to reform our way of looking at these issues. PD is willing to be on the forefront in promoting a way forward towards the stewardship of our environment,” PD said.