Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/829524
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 28 MAY 2017 News FIRSTTIME Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) candidate Pascal Aloisio has taken up the cause of long-suffering residents of Birzebbugia, whose quality of life had been hit hard in the past by noise from the nearby Free- port and the f lightpath of landing aircraft and who now have to live with the risks inherent in having a tanker for Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) moored offshore. "Political decisions should al- ways have the quality of life of residents as their primary objec- tive," said the 22 year-old new- comer, who is contesting the 5th District on an AD ticket, as he ad- dressed a press conference in the locality yesterday. "Birzebbugia is one of many examples in Malta where devel- opment took place without the slightest consideration of the im- pact on residents," he said. "Just in front of us we have the Enemalta plant, which for years has served as a fuel storage facility, totally surrounded by residential units. At Qajjenza, we had the gas plant operating up till four years ago, also surrounded by a residential zone. On the other side of Birzeb- bugia, we have the Freeport." The latter created a constant inconvenience to residents due to continuous noise pollution, he said. A housing estate in the lo- cality had also been built directly beneath the f light path of aircraft coming in to land, Aloisio said. The power station, which before its recent switch to LNG was running on heavy fuel oil, further diminished residents' quality of life. AD deputy chairperson Carmel Cacopardo said AD was pleased to note that thanks to pressure exerted by the local council and AD, the plant at Qajjenza had been dismantled and the Free- port had finally considered tak- ing action to reduce the environ- mental impact on residents. The Enemalta plant would be dismantled in the coming months, he said, expecting an "animated discussion" on the fu- ture of the huge parcel of land. "This is going to be an opportu- nity for Birzebbugia to take back that which had been taken from them by successive governments. "This will be a unique opportu- nity for the entire community to be given back facilities and open spaces after years of savage and intense development." AD pushes for closure of B'Bugia plants #startsavingnow 3.25% REGULAR BONUS DECLARED FOR 2016 A SECURE, TAX-EFFICIENT * AND RELIABLE WAY TO SAVE You've heard it over and over and deep down you know it's true - saving and doing so as soon as possible can make a huge difference to your future well- being. We're here to support you through attractive and flexible savings solutions that can be tailored to help you reach your goals. Let's start saving together for your brighter future. 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One of the organisers told Mal- taToday that they were not en- couraging students to vote for a specific party, but rather to vote for whichever candidates they feel best represented them. In a statement, the students warned that throwing away a vote is tantamount to "selling democracy" and "giving up the right to be represented". "Do not sell our democracy, for that is what you will be do- ing if you do not stand up and take your vote," they said. "Each and every one of our voices mat- ter and not voting means simply that we will be giving up our right to be represented. "Think critically, stand up, do not be afraid to be counted amongst those who fight for their country. Be active, be po- litical, be a citizen who does not fear standing up for what they believe in. It doesn't matter if you are red, orange, green or blue. Be informed. Debate. And, most importantly, stand up for what is right." By the time the police finished the distribution of votes, 37,000 voting documents were not de- livered. Voters have until noon today to collect their voting documents from the police sta- tions or local councils and until Thursday to collect them from the Electoral Commission's of- fices. MaltaToday's latest survey indicates that 9.7% of younger voters (18-34 years old) plan to throw away their vote, while 16.7% of them are undecided on which party to vote for. Pascal Aloisio (second from left) with Arnold Cassola (left), Carmel Caccopardo (third frm left) and Mario Mallia