By Times of Malta
Prolonged infrastructure works in Bir偶ebbu摹a could be doing more harm than good, instead of improving the quality of life for the community, such works might bring on health consequences due to delays and poor planning, ADPD said. The Green Party held their press conference on Bir偶ebbu摹a Road, a road which the party stated has been closed to traffic for several months due to road works. There, the green party highlighted the need to respect the community and residents鈥 well-being during such public works. The party鈥檚 deputy chairperson, Melissa Bagley and candidate for the fifth electoral district said the party understands such infrastructural works need to take place, yet a lack of coordination and transparency often leaves residents feeling unseen. 鈥淭he works here has been going on for months, and this is certainly of no benefit to the residents鈥 health,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t would be beneficial to factor in residents鈥 well-being into such projects so that these projects are finished promptly and any inconvenience, such as dust, which is generated in road works, is minimised.鈥 She said such inconveniences are exacerbated due to the hot weather, meaning residents who wish to open their windows for some fresh air would not be able to do so due to the dust. “Because opening a window means allowing dustinto homes and even worse, breathing in this dust which will end up inour lungs.鈥 Bagley quoted research which showed how long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) could lead to serious health risks. 鈥淚t is estimated that every year around 200 people in Malta die due to exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5). It is well known that exposure to fine dust particles of this nature may lead to respiratory illnesses and heart problems,鈥 she said. ADPD chairperson, Sandra Gauci said over the last few months, there have been a large number of ongoing road projects, many of which have been done efficiently and with a clear timeline communicated to local councils and residents. 鈥淧roblems arise when people are left in the dark about these matters, besides leaving them for months facing significant amounts of dust,鈥 she said. 鈥淭his is what happened in this case (Bir偶ebbu摹a) which is causing considerable inconvenience to residents in the area.鈥 She called for accountability from authorities and contractors to be transparent with clear deadlines, publication of work permits and other details relating to the project. “There is a need for more serious action and accountability towards citizens, so that they will not feel like they are being taken for a ride and left in the dark. Communication is essential, and this should be the responsibility of the entity responsible for the project to ensure transparency,鈥 concluded Gauci.