Malta’s roadworks must come to a halt on Monday as the island runs out of space to store construction debris and other types of similar work-related waste, Infrastructure Malta said.

“Infrastructure Malta is ordering you to suspend all works currently being carried out by your good self on behalf of Infrastructure Malta with immediate effect as from Monday 27th April 2020,” IM chief Fredrick Azzopardi said in a letter sent to all contractors today.

The letter, which was revealed by the Times of Malta, goes on to give the reason for the suspension: “lack of availability in dumping sites for the disposal of construction and demolition waste”.

A lack of dumping space poses a health risk to workers, and as such, roadworks have been suspended until the Environment and Resources Authority can find a viable solution for any new waste that is generated.

“Unequivocally, this imposes a safety and health risk, not only on the sites but also on any personnel working therein.”

However, the ERA has issued a statement in this regard, saying that there are 31 quarries currently open and featuring viable space.

“The ERA, as the regulatory authority responsible for the protection of the environment wishes to inform that currently there are 31 quarries that are permitted to accept C&D and insert waste in them, of which are permitted for recycling construction waste only. Also, it is processing other applications for new sites,” ERA said.

“The ERA took stock of the quarries in Malta and Gozo in November 2019 where it emerged that there are a number of disused quarries that may be restored. The Authority gives precedence to the infilling of disused quarries, whereby sea dredged material is permitted to be dumped at sea at the official spoil ground off Valletta Harbour,” they continued.

Worth noting is the fact that the price of getting rid of waste in Malta had risen in recent years: whereas it was €8 per tonne a while back, the current market price is around €15 per tonne. 

“The ERA expects all applicants and contractors to seek proper waste management facilities prior to commencement of works that are known to generate any quantities of construction waste. It is pertinent to note, that regulatory authorities such as ERA, cannot fulfil the obligations of operative entities, whether public or private, in their course of contractual obligations with third parties. The ERA has always been available to facilitate negotiations between contractors and quarry operators, however it is the responsibility of the entity generating the waste to secure proper waste disposal in line with sustainable environmental goals.”

They ended by saying that more regulatory measures regard the quarry sector were to be proposed in the coming week.

What do you think of this suspension order? Let us know in the comments below.

Cover photo: Infrastructure Malta