Concern mounts on proposed Ghaxaq fireworks factory

The Civil Protection Department has asked for further studies on the impact of a proposed fireworks factory in Ghaxaq due to the presence of farms, greenhouses, residences and businesses in the surrounding area.

Tarxien's San Gabriel band club, which proposed the large fireworks factory - to be, technically, outside the development zone, or ODZ - has to present a detailed risk assessment, including a vulnerability study.

The Ghaxaq local council has already objected to the development.

In a letter sent to MEPA in November of 2012, Mayor Emanuel Vassallo pointed out that the development abuts farmland worked by both part-time and full-time workers. He also referred to the proposed factory's proximity to the Gudja cemetery, a number of green houses and neighbouring businesses which employ many workers.

"It is not fair that these workers are exposed to dangers while earning their livelihood," the mayor said.

The new fireworks factory would sit in an agricultural area outside development boundaries in il-Hbula in Ghaxaq.

In the past two years the Malta Environment and Planning Authority has turned down five applications for ODZ fireworks factories.

These included proposals for Tal-Ghajn in Mellieha, near the Chadwick Lakes, in the limits of Nadur, Rabat, in Ix-Xaghra tal-Isqof, Rabat and in Tas-Sanap in Munxar, Gozo.

While MEPA is becoming stricter about ODZ fireworks - especially in view of farmers' safety concerns - the pyrotechnics organisation argues that the building of a new ODZ fireworks factory would improve safety standards.

Presently there are four pending applications before MEPA, two for factories near Ghaxaq, one in Zurrieq and one in Gharb.