Gudja council objects to Has-Saptan fuel depot

Councillors from both parties are objecting to a project which will turn 6000 square meters of agricultural land and woodland in to a fuel depot.

Woodland in Has Saptan earmarked for the relocation of fuel tanks
Woodland in Has Saptan earmarked for the relocation of fuel tanks

The Gudja Council will be objecting to the fuel depot proposed in Has Saptan in the locality's border with Ghaxaq.  The urgent meeting was called by PN councillors Mark Anthony Sammut and Stefan Caruana.  Only mayor John Mary Calleja  voted against the motion which was carried out with the support of both 2 PN councillors and deputy mayor Romeo Baldacchino.

Enemed officials attended the meeting to make a presentation on the project.  The project is being proposed to relocate the fuel tanks in Qajjenza in B'Bugia.

The council is arguing that the project is in breach of several MEPA policies protecting this area from such development and to enhance the recreational  facilities in the area.  The project will result in the obilteration of 6000 square meters of agricultural land and afforested areas.

During the meeting the mayor described the project as "a modern one" which benefits residents and that one should not stop a "national project" simply to allow people to walk or cycle in the area.

The council led by the same mayor had objected to a similar proposal in 2005 when the area was identified by the previous government for a similar development.

In 2005 the Gudja, Ghaxaq and B'Bugia councils had objected to the increase in the number of tanks in Has Saptan and suggested alternative sites. But the mayor contends that the proposal is different from that proposed in 2005 as it is more modern.

In its objection the council described the site selection as  unsatisfactory, because the proposed site is not an industrial site but is a rural area with agricultural, landscape, ecological and recreational value. The area is designated by the local plan as site of scientific importance and an area of high landscape value.

"The site is in fact used by hundreds of people each weekend for recreational purposes like camping, picnics, hiking and biking".

The project will also mean that 40 refuelling road tankers will be passing daily after its completion, and 130 vehicle trips will be made monthly during its construction. "This will definitely have a negative effect on residents’ health and wellbeing and create noise and air pollution in an area which is currently free from such pollution," the council said.

The proposal also means that a large number of trees in the eastern part of the scheme will need to be removed to make space for the construction of the loading bay and to ensure sufficient distance in case of a lightning strike.  Enemalta had pledged to transplant the uprooted trees.

The council has also expressed concern on the risks of fire and spillage  in view of the proximity of the project to the La Stella Fireworks Factory. "If such a project is approved, we believe the fireworks factory is to be assured in writing by the developers that it will not be affected in its manufacturing and trials in any way".  The mayor supported this part of the motion.