The Commissioner for Standards in Public Life has found that MP Claudette Buttigieg gave a false impression of what an official study states regarding the proposed Thermal Treatment Facility (TTF) at Magħtab. 

The finding follows a complaint filed by WasteServ CEO Richard Bilocca concerning statements made by Ms Buttigieg in a speech delivered last May. 

The Commissioner concluded that while the study analyses the impact of the plant on air quality in nearby localities and finds that it would have little to no impact, Ms Buttigieg presented this information in a misleading manner. 

The Commissioner said: “The study finds that the plant will have little to no impact on air quality in these localities. On the other hand, Ms Buttigieg appears to have taken the simple fact that these localities are mentioned in the study as confirmation that they will be adversely affected. Intentionally or otherwise, she gave a false impression of what the study states.” 

In her speech, Ms Buttigieg claimed that all localities within a six-kilometre radius of the proposed site “will be affected”, attributing this conclusion to the study. She also included Valletta among the affected localities, despite the city falling outside the area assessed and not being mentioned in the study. 

The Commissioner found that Ms Buttigieg appeared to equate the mere mention of localities in the study with proof that they would be adversely affected, thereby giving a false impression of the study’s conclusions. 

While stressing that Members of Parliament are fully entitled to scrutinise and question studies commissioned by government entities, the Commissioner underlined that there is a clear distinction between raising legitimate concerns and misrepresenting what a study actually says. 

The Commissioner’s findings reinforce WasteServ’s position that inaccurate and misleading claims about the ECOHIVE Project and the TTF have contributed to unnecessary public alarm. WasteServ has consistently maintained that independent studies, including the ongoing Environmental Impact Assessment, demonstrate that the facility will not negatively impact air quality and will deliver net environmental benefits for Malta.