Brincat: De Marco needs to bear responsibility for MEPA's shortcomings

Minister Mario De Marco needs to bear responsibility for MEPA's ridiculous environmental policies, said PL spokesperson for the environment, sustainable development and climate change MP Leo Brincat; in light of the numerous shortcomings and administrative abuses, which were exposed in recent months.

In these past few days, MEPA has been condemned by its own auditor as an accomplice together with Enemalta on the Mercaptan scandal. It was also certified, by the same auditor as an Authority which is far away from adopting the policy of zero tolerance on environmental damage. MEPA also completely disregarded the Speaker's formal invitation to attend and answer the Parliamentary Committee's questions on the black dust coming from the power station in Marsa.

Moreover, decisions by the same authority have led to the destruction of important archeological sites and have had serious ecological and environmental consequences, particularly by the incompetence showed in the filming of a TV series near Dwejra. MEPA, also put aside the health of Maltese residents in the case of the Heavy Fuel Oil and the extension of the power station in Delimara.

Despite this, Minister De Marco chooses to remain silent when faced with this clear fault in the system. More alarmingly, he seems to be more concerned with safeguarding the interests of GonziPN's political appointees, rather than doing his duty as Minister for Tourism, the Environment and Culture.

"Before boasting about his precious document on national environmental policies, the Minister should man up and bear responsibility for the shortcomings and convenient 'administrative mistakes' which are leading to abuse" MP Brincat said.