Residents to protest in Qrendi over tarmac plant relocation plans

The protest is scheduled to take place this Sunday, 26 November, at 10am in the main square in Qrendi.

Residents said they are concerned that the Planning Authority will approve the tarmac plant’s relocation from Ħal Far to a disused quarry in Mqabba.

The tarmac batching plant is operated by BIP Ltd, owned by Sandra Axiak and Francesca Penza, the daughters of contractor Carmel Penza.

A case officer has recommended the plans for approval, but a hearing originally scheduled for 14 November was postponed amid mounting public criticism.

The ERA has not objected to the relocation plan, claiming the plant would be around 500 metres away from the nearest residential area.

Residents have contradicted the authority’s assessment, saying the closest homes are half that distance – just 250 metres – away.

“We cannot have a plant releasing toxic fumes throughout the day, at just 250m from a residential area”, they said.

Local councils of Qrendi, Mqabba, Safi, Rabat, Żurrieq and Siġġiewi have all declared they are against the relocation plans.

Cover Image: kues1/Freepik