PN lambasts MEPA approval of LNG vessel jetty

The Nationalist Party has expressed disappointment at the MEPA board’s decision to approve the construction of a 215MW gas plant at Delimara and regasification unit, and a jetty for the berthing of an LNG vessel in Marsaxlokk.

The project is crucial to the government’s plans to switch to gas from heavy fuel oil as Malta’s main energy source, and reduce utility bills.

“The PN is disappointed that the project was approved without all the necessary risk studies having been carried out,” the party said in a statement.

MEPA’s board, the highest decision-making body, took the decision after a marathon eight-hour sitting at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta.

“The decision is a leap in the dark, having been taken without all the risks – among them a risk assessment and maritime impact assessment – being considered. MEPA is approving a project without giving residents the necessary peace of mind they require.”

The PN said that it was confirmed today that the government had refused to entertain the suggestion to store the gas outside the bay, saying the safety of the gas terminal was “more important than that of residents’.”

The PN also took exception at MEPA chairman Vince Cassar’s refusal to allow the media to film or snap photos of the board members taking their final votes. “It only goes to show how uncomfortable the chairman and his colleagues are at having taken this decision.”