Drainage department safety overhaul

Government has spent more then a quarter of a million pounds on specialised safety equipment and training for drainage department employees.

The Cirkewwa cesspit tragedy that occurred in January 2000 and which claimed the lives of three drainage department employees, seems to have sparked off a thorough overhaul in the drainage department.

Environment Minister Francis Zammit Dimech yesterday announced that the department purchased gas detection monitors, self-contained respiratory equipment and lifting and fall arrest equipment in a bid to ensure a safer work place.

Apart from the new equipment, Minister Zammit Dimech said that the department invested considerably in training and a number of employees were sent abroad to specialise in safety procedures.

Dr Zammit Dimech added that the department was refurbishing various pumping stations. Steel chambers, worn out pipes and sump roofs are being replaced while the department is expected to relocate to another work place.

The autopsy on the Cirkewwa victims had revealed that they died after inhaling toxic fumes. At the time of the incident the workers were not wearing protective masks. They were carrying out repair work, on a valve in a pumping station at Cirkewwa.

The inquiry into the tragedy to establish who was responsible for the incident has not yet been concluded.