Public being kept in the dark on Mosta trees’ poisoning, Graffitti says

Following its initial demands addressed to the Environmental Minister, the ERA and the Mosta Local Council, Moviment Graffitti has now issued a second letter insisting that the public be given an update regarding the ficus trees in Mosta square, the NGO said in a statement on Wednesday.

Moviment Graffitti’s first inquiry was sent after receiving multiple reports that large holes had appeared in the trunks of the ficus trees in Mosta square and that liquid was being poured into them. In the inquiry, Moviment Graffitti demanded that the concerned authorities investigate this alarming issue and inform the public regarding the nature of the holes and the liquid in and around them, and of the care plan to help the trees recover.

These demands were put forward in the context of last year’s incident, when the Local Council, with ERA’s blessing, attempted to stealthily remove the trees before being stopped by the community’s strong opposition to this move. It is highly improbable that the damage done to the trees a few weeks ago is unrelated to November’s attempt to remove them, the NGO said.

ERA responded to the initial inquiry stating that a police investigation was ongoing, to which Moviment Graffitti immediately reacted, insisting that the public be informed and updated regarding the issue, as is their right.

After three weeks of silence from the concerned authorities, Moviment Graffitti has now addressed a letter to Miriam Dalli, Minister for the Environment, the Commissioner of the Malta Police Force, the ERA, and the Mosta Local Council, demanding information regarding the investigation, the current status of the trees’ health, and the way forward.