Proposed fireworks factory expansion causes alarm

Residents, farmers and environmentalists are objecting to a proposed fireworks factory extension in Luqa.

In November, an ad hoc technical committee cleared the first hurdle for an application to upgrade the existing St Andrew’s fireworks factory in Luqa, which would involve the construction of six new stores on outside development land (ODZ).

The complex, located in an area known as Ta’ Hal Saflieni, is partly covered by a planning permit issued in 1973. The proposed complex will consist of 26 rooms.

The proposal involves the construction of six main stores, a reservoir, new storage and processing rooms, blast walls with sand bags, the installation of a new firefighting system, the construction of a chain link fence, the re-levelling of the site to ensure better access, the removal of “inappropriate” trees and the planting of new ones, and the sanctioning of a number of pre-1967 structures. 

Din l-Art Helwa is particularly concerned by fireworks activities sprawling from the area presently impacted by the development. 

“It is a pity that the development is not consolidated in the area which is already developed in order to reduce the spread in the ODZ,” it said.

Din l-Art Helwa said that the project could be greatly improved if the spread in the ODZ is minimised. Front Harsien ODZ is also objecting to the bigger ODZ footprint.

Other objections have been registered by residents and farmers who lament that the extension will bring the factory even closer to them.

“We have been suffering from fire in our fields during these past years caused by pieces of fireworks falling on our soil. With the extension the factory will be even closer to us… so please keep the danger away from our fields and ourselves,” a farmer wrote in a letter sent to MEPA. A number of residents living in the vicinity of the present factory also expressed concern that the extension will mean that the danger will be closer to them.