Fields of dust

Abstract

We may have just seen the welcome advent of the revamped construction site regulations, which should offer some reprieve for the thousands of downtrodden residents who are unfortunate enough to live close to a construction site. However, lassitude still reigns when it comes to sites where construction waste and debris is legally dumped. In fact, the media have largely chosen to ignore the shambolic state of several areas, most notably the former quarry sites being filled with construction debris, mainly for agricultural reclamation purposes, where contractors show utter disregard for residents and the environment. A case in point is the site in Qrendi, known as Tas-Sinjura, off Siggiewi and Mqabba Road, where dumping of construction waste to develop a vineyard has ensued unabated, even if permits for such dumping having have long expired - as was highlighted in a letter by the Qrendi Council to the Environment Ministry over two years ago.