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I refer to your recent article entitled “MEPA impotent in the face of lawlessness – auditor’s report” of the 30th April 2006.
The Authority would like to point out that the Veterinary Services Act forbids the movement of livestock without the permit of the Government Veterinary services. MEPA could indeed not involve the Veterinary Services: it could demolish the structure and ensure that all the animals are buried in the rubble. If this were considered as acceptable in this day and age then MEPA would act. However, besides being the planning regulator, MEPA is also the lead Environmental agency. As such it does not condone this sort of cruelty. As such the Authority needs the active involvement of the Veterinary services before it can proceed to direct action. A copy of the Audit Officer’s report had been passed on to the Director of Veterinary services for action to be taken from their end and MEPA is still waiting for that action.
Finally, just a note to clarify. An enforcement notice puts the owner of the development on notice that he is in breach of the law. Enforcement notices are available for viewing on the website. A Direct Action is taken to physically remove the illegality. It is not MEPA policy to say when and where Direct Action exercises will take place. The perpetrators are always given suitable pre-advice.
Sylvana DeBono
Public Relations Officer
MEPA
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