ESG Radio Broadcast

Key Words: DPC and Stadium, Sullage Tank Farm, Masts, Caleta Hotel, World Trade Centre, Commonwealth Park

It would be difficult to have a newsletter today and not refer to the outcome of various significant events of last week. I am talking, of course, about the proposed Stadium at Europa Point and the green light awarded by DPC to Nature Company plc to proceed in its efforts to resume its operation at the North Mole. For the stadium there was an unprecedented level of public participation in what is now, a transparent process in terms of DPC evaluating applications. It was most welcome to hear, as an NGO working for many years to protect and cherish our living environment, such heartfelt and impassioned objections made by several campaign representatives, on the need to preserve a valued open area. Many points were also made on the practical concerns against Europa Pt as best choice for a large stadium as that proposed. The subsequent media statements on detailed evaluations and analysis that the GFA will now undertake on all possible sites is also welcome and hopefully will yield actual potential alternatives to Europa Point. A meaningless task if not one single alternative is identified. We believe all sites should be given a thorough review including the latest proposed at the Dockyard site.

We continue to harbour several concerns as per our published press release on the environmental impacts such a project would have at Europa Point, and for those of you who may have missed this kindly note you can find this on our website at: esg-gib.net.

Another issue that sadly did not receive similar public participation and was somewhat overshadowed by the stadium campaign, was the Sullage Tank Farm application. This project stands to impact the environment somewhat differently, but nevertheless, poses a potential threat to the quality of life and well being of many hundreds of residents on the Rock. The ESG objected to this at the DPC mtg on the grounds of the threat of new pollution in the area, and because the company itself is facing court proceedings due to the accident that occurred on site three years ago which saw the loss of a life, several injuries and extreme pollution. We believe that until this case is resolved and full culpability attributed, and rightful compensation awarded to the family of the contract worker, that it is premature for the company to be allowed to operate once again.

Although the court case is outside the remit of the DPC it is not so of Government, that now has to consider issuing a new operating licence to this company. We shall be monitoring this closely.

The DPC will be considering projects in the near future such as new plans for the widespread installation of mobile phone masts, the Caleta Hotel, as well as the World Trade Centre, among others. Be sure to check out the DPC agenda page on the Town Planning site to keep informed!

The emergence of a green area in the heart of town is very positive to see as Commonwealth Park reaches its final stages. We hope that additional green spaces, trees and green roofs will also be incorporated into other concrete jungle developments in Gibraltar breathing life into the areas and combatting the effects of air pollution, while also providing much needed shade.

Check out our website at esg-gib.net, email us at esg@gibtelecom.net or contact us at 200-48996 or mobile 54960000