19th August 2001

Trees in Naxxar should be saved

None of the trees in Labour Avenue Naxxar should be cut down before a proper study is carried out to examine the problem. Trees are scarce enough on these Islands for us to be losing more capriciously.

If it is true that the trees in question are damaging houses or infrastructure (pipes etc) in the vicinity, the first option should be to consider whether the houses and infrastructure can be protected. Protecting the houses makes more sense than removing the trees. The trees, besides being aesthetically pleasing, are a form of protection against noise and light and car exhaust pollution. They also do their small bit against climate change.

If protecting the houses is not possible, the trees could be up-rooted and replanted elsewhere. However, only those trees that prove to be problematic should be dealt with. Friends of the Earth (Malta) cannot agree with the idea of a vote on the issue.

A vote will mean either all the trees are saved or none. That would not be the right solution and each tree deserves attention. The least that can be done is save those trees that are causing no harm.