Greens table European Parliamentary question on Air Quality in Sliema and Gzira

In a press conference attended by the General Secretary of the European Green Party, Alternattiva Demokratika announced that the European Greens tabled a parliamentary question in the European parliament on traffic management and urban air quality in Sliema and Gzira. The parliamentary question, which was tabled by the co-president of the European Greens Parliamentary group Monica Frassoni, is attached with this press release.

Prof Arnold Cassola, AD Chairperson and MEP candidate, said:'The parliamentary question refers to the degree of unsustainable development in Sliema and Gzira, with particular reference to impact on air quality. It asks the European Commission to verify whether the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) will be still authorizing further urban development in these already overdeveloped towns in breach of EIA Directive 85/337/EEC as Amended by Directive 97/11/EC and also EU Directive 1999/30/EC of 22 April 1999 and Directive 2008/50/EC. The parliamentary question also asks the European Commission to verify whether the Malta Transport Authority, responsible for road networks and traffic management, is carrying its obligations adequately to provide effective urban traffic management and effective control against abuses of excessive motor vehicles noxious emissions, to safeguard legitimate rights of the residents’ of Sliema and Gzira to ambient air quality in accordance with EU
Directive 1999/30/EC  of  22 April 1999 and Directive 2008/50/EC'.

Michael Briguglio, AD Sliema Local Councillor said:'Streets such as Manwel Dimech street are amongst the most heavily polluted in Malta, according to official MEPA figures. Sliema council has been receiving many justified complaints from residents about air quality, particularly due to the impact of traffic and construction. Sliema council has raised these issues with the competent authorities, but has so far been ignored. In particular, the Malta Transport Authority is refusing to take concrete measures for improvement in traffic. I strongly believe that Sliema council should make more pressure on this issue in the immediate future'.

Michael Briguglio also anounced that Sliema Local Council shall shortly be installing solar panels on its rooftop, following Government's approval of a project which he initially proposed as Green councillor. 

Arnold Cassola added:'Air quality is essential for good health. It is a known fact that there is a direct relationship between pollution resulting from traffic and incidence rates of diseases such as asthma and cancer. Unfortunately the Maltese government is not doing much to improve the situation. Malta's public transport reform remains long overdue, and holistic traffic plans are lacking. Enforcement on excessive pollution remains absent in Malta'.

Juan Behrend, General Secretary of the European Green Party, said:'The European Greens are four-square behind AD's campaign for cleaner air in Malta. Our track record in the European parliament on environmental issues is excellent, as certified by environmental NGOs. The Greens put citizens' quality of life before the interest of big polluters and big business. Our positive results in various European cities are proof of our commitment in this area'.


Ralph Cassar
PRO