Ghajnsielem local council concerned with suggested alternative site for manure disposal site

The Ghajnsielem Local Council has rejected the suggestion that the proposed Munxar manure disposal site should be moved to the Tal-Fessej area in the locality.

The Malta Independent on Sunday had reported how residents of Munxar were up in arms over plans to open the manure plant, which is not yet covered by the necessary permits. The residents of nearby Sannat are also worried. Both local councils have formally objected to the plans.

Speaking to The Malta Independent Sannat Mayor Philip Vella said: “the Tal-Fessej area in Ghajnsielem would be more appropriate given that the Gozo Sewage Plant is over there. I know it sounds frank, but once a site is already spoiled, they may as well concentrate similar initiatives there.”

The Ghajnsielem council, who described Vella’s comments as ‘unjust and unfair’, said: “As a Council we would like to make it absolutely clear with the Maltese authorities that Għajnsielem already has to deal with a lot of problems and projects, and hence it is not interested in becoming a party to the manure disposal site project whatsoever.

One such problem includes the Gozo Sewage Plant - as a site it is indeed already spoiled but we believe that it is surely not the way forward to continue to spoil said site. What this area needs is more preservation of its marine ecosystem and natural beauty and not the addition of a new burden.

Whilst it is true that said manure disposal site project may pose environment and health risks on the Sannat and Munxar residents, it would be equally detrimental for Għajnsielem residents if it were to be introduced in our locality.

As a Local Council we would like to enquire whether it would be possible for every farmer in Gozo to store their own manure in their farms, and hence farmers would be individually responsible, thus avoiding future tensions and problems between various Gozitan localities.”