23rd August 2002

Friends of the Earth (Malta) congratulates the ‘Malta Environment and Planning Authority’

Friends of the Earth (Malta) congratulates the ‘Malta Environment and Planning Authority’ for sealing off a number of quarries around Siggiewi after they were found to be either functioning without a permit, were being used for illegal dumping or as scrap-yards.
The closing of the quarries is certainly a step in the right direction. Friends of the Earth (Malta) would like to know how many quarries were closed and would like to see action to ensure that these quarries are rehabilitated.

Land is arguably Malta’s most precious resource and each square metre should be used in a manner that is of benefit to present and future generations.

Dumping in quarries could affect the groundwater aquifers since the water could become contaminated as a result of indiscriminate dumping.

Friends of the Earth would like to see the Malta Environment and Planning Authority enforcement section beefed up and more illegal buildings and quarries taken care of.