The South District Association held a spontaneous protest outside the entrance to the Rosia Tanks

February 20, 2006 at 6:13 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

PRESS RELEASE – 20th FEBRUARY 2006
 

On Saturday morning the South District Association held a spontaneous protest outside the entrance to the Rosia Tanks.  This protest was called, at very short notice, in response to the fact that Haymills operatives were seen working on the site, in and around an area where asbestos is known to be present, in flagrant contravention of health and safety standards.  The persons working on site where not properly containing the ‘asbestos’ contaminated rubble, handling it correctly or disposing of it safely.

 

Residents tried to have the work stopped unsuccessfully, even though the Police attended at the site after being asked to investigate what was going on there.  A Government Health and Safety Officer was also called, came to the site and inspected work being done.  The work was not stopped even though it was felt that safety standards were not being adhered to.  Understandably, as the pertinent authorities failed to stop the works, it sparked off a great deal of anger, frustration and, in particular, concern that the safety of residents and their families were being put at risk unnecessarily.

 

During the course of the morning, the Minister for Social Affairs’ car, The Hon Mrs Yvette del Agua, attempted to exit onto the main road out of Rosia Dale, but this was blocked by a number of people present at the protest who were facing Rosia Parade.  Police Officers, who were at the scene, started to clear a way through and at the same time, those present, realising that it was a Government Minister, starting shouting slogans directed at her.  As a member of the Government people wanted to let her see how angry and upset they were that their safety was being compromised.

 

If members of her family present with her felt in anyway harassed or intimidated, at that time, then the Association apologises unreservedly to them.  It was not the intention to frighten or make those with her feel uncomfortable.

 

The SDA does not expect the Minister to agree with its views as to whether the project should go ahead or not.  However it considers that all residents of the area should be aware of the health risk attached to the improper removal and handling of asbestos.  At the time this is exactly what was happening on the site.  If the Government wishes to proceed to demolish this historic site it should do so implementing the proper procedures as laid down in law.

 

SOUTH DISTRICT COMMITTEE

ICOMOS-UK has written to the Gibraltar Chief Minister, The Hon P R Caruana QC

February 20, 2006 at 6:11 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

FORTRESS OF GIBRALTAR: VICTUALLING TANKS

 

ICOMOS-UK has written to the Gibraltar Chief Minister, The Hon P R Caruana QC,
to express concern that the demolition of 18th Victualling Tanks at Rosia Harbour has been sanctioned to make space for a block of flats, without  it appears adequate  justification having being made. There has been no Public Inquiry and no Environmental Impact Assessment to justify why this particular site is needed in the light of its impact on an important part of the early naval facilities in Gibraltar.

 

These very well preserved tanks are part of an area currently included in the UK Government’s Tentative List of World Heritage sites in the UK. The whole area is described as The Fortress of Gibraltar and was included in the list in 1999. The fortifications, of which the Victualling Yard is a part, are described as being ‘unique and without parallel’ and it is said that ‘the entire complex is unique’.

 

The Tentative List text states that the ‘sites listed are protected and improved legislation is currently in preparation’. Furthermore it states that as part of the development of the heritage product in Gibraltar, fresh schemes are underway to increase public access to the proposed site and we understand that studies have been undertaken to show the feasibility of making the very large tanks available to the public as an attraction.

 

Until two years ago ICOMOS-UK was informed that a World Heritage nomination was being progressed. Now we hear part of the site is being demolished.

 

ICOMOS-UK has asked for confirmation that the demolition work can be halted until a systematic appraisal has been carried out of the impact of the proposed development on this World Heritage Tentative List site, and the key issues debated openly at a Public Inquiry, in line with best practice for development work in areas that are recognised for their historic, architectural and archaeological importance.

 

20th February 2006

Asbestos scare deepens as work continues at Rosia Tanks site

February 18, 2006 at 10:55 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Asbestos scare deepens as work continues at Rosia Tanks site

PRESS RELEASE 18th FEBRUARY 2006

Earlier to-day in a flagrant disregard of all health and safety guidelines in respect to the safe containment and removal of asbestos, three Haymills employees were spotted working on the Rosia Tanks site.  Given the method that was employed in the removal of the asbestos, it is unlikely that the contractor and its operatives are qualified to remove this hazardous material.  No warning signs to inform the public that asbestos was being removed were put up prior to the work commencing.

During the course of the morning and up until when they left, two of these operatives were wearing protective suits and wore masks, the third operative wore no protective gear at all, as they worked within a hastily constructed shed covered in black plastic sheeting.  The covering of the shed was flapping in the strong Westerly winds and did not seem to be providing adequate containment or protection for residents in the area or members of the public driving past.  They were seen removing rubble in buckets from within the area covered by the shed, coming out of the covered area and then emptying the contents of the buckets into large white plastic sacks.  Residents of Rosia Dale, Rosia Plaza, Rosia Cottages and others expressed serious concerns.  The dust from these buckets was seen blowing into the atmosphere, indisciminately, and could easily have entered people’s homes through open windows or doors.  After they finished their shift, all the sacks, containing asbestos contaminated rubble, were left on site.  These sacks are not marked in any way identifying them as containing asbestos, a highly hazardous material that can cause serious damage to people’s health.

Gigi Sene, Chairperson of the South District Association, came out of her house when she became aware at around 10.30 am in the morning, that work was being carried out and approached the site.  She spoke to one of the Haymills operatives on the site, who informed her that they were removing the roof tiles that form part of the covering of the Rosia Water Tanks.  She pointed out to them that they were removing tiles and bricks that were painted with paint containing asbestos.  The operative concerned confirmed this.  They were asked to stop working immediately but ignored this request and continued working until approximately 1 pm.

At very short notice a group of people gathered outside the entrance to the Rosia Water Tanks to observe what was going on site and protest.  This group of people informed the Haymill’s employees that they were contravening health and safety regulations.  However they completely ignored the verbal requests made directly to them to stop the work that they were doing.

The SDA contends that no work should be taking place at all within a site that is identified as containing asbestos until the type of asbestos present is identified and is safely removed, in accordance with the pertinent ordinance, so that it does not constitute a health risk to employees or members of the public.

The Association has made several attempts to determine the extent of the asbestos present on the site, the type (blue, brown or white), the method by which the asbestos will be removed and the safety measures that will be taken to protect the public.  It’s pleas for full disclosure continue remain unanswered by the pertinent authorities.

On Friday, the SDA approached Health and Safety Inpectors to ask for information on the asbestos situation on the site but were told by one of them that they had been instructed to respond only to written requests.  The SDA put their request in writing and delivered it by hand just before 1.00 pm that day requesting immediate and full disclosure.  No one has contacted the Association to allay the concerns raised in this and previous letters.

Whilst the Government, was today making reference to its democratic credentials, in the press, it continues to ignore completely the concerns of a group of people in respect to the Nelson’s View development proposed at the Rosia Tanks site.  The Chief Minister is quoted as saying: “The Government has taken into account all the objections that are being repeated.”  Perhaps he could explain to the SDA how these objections have been taken into account, as virtually every single letter that has been sent to the Govenment by the SDA remains unanswered and it continues to be completely ignored.  At the very least the Government has a duty to explain to the SDA how it has reached what the Chief Minister describes as a “balanced decision”.  This is the very essence of open and accountable government.

Asbestos has been found on the site

February 17, 2006 at 3:34 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

PRESS RELEASE – 17th FEBRUARY 2006
The South District Association continues to get unconfirmed but reliable reports that more asbestos has been found on the site.  It is already known that the roof of one of the buildings is made from asbestos sheeting.  Now in a further scare, it has come to the Association’s attention that the external covering used to protect the Water Tanks contains asbestos.  Residents reported that a couple of persons in protective clothing, who are understood to have been Health and Safety Officers, were seen collecting samples from the Pump House, as it is thought that the pipes and other machinery inside this building may also contain asbestos.  It appears that samples have been taken away from the site to be tested.
No further demolition works have been carried out on site since the perimeter walls and one of the buildings above ground were demolished.  Yesterday residents of the South District reported that heavy machinery had left the site and that all demolition works had been halted.  It seems that until the extent of the asbestos is uncovered no further work can be carried out.
In response to concerns expressed by residents of the area in the past fortnight, the SDA put the developers and the relevant authorities on notice that any asbestos found on site must be removed in accordance with the relevant ordinance. It hopes that both the Government and OEM International take note.
 
It is becoming clear now that no attempt was made to carry out a full survey to\n determine if there was any asbestos on the site before work commenced that could give rise to public health fears.  Under current legislation, it is the responsibility of employers to carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment so as to determine what asbestos is or is liable to be present.  Further the employer has a duty not only to protect employees from exposure to asbestos but also to protect any other person who may be affected by the work activity.
 
If this is the case, then no work should have been carried out on the surface covering of the Water Tanks.  Before works commenced the asbestos should have been stripped off the\n roof covering of the Water Tanks.  Only then should the drilling for the geo technical survey have taken place.
 
The SDA hopes that before the asbestos is removed the extent and type will be determined.  Asbestos dust is highly toxic.  There are three types, white which represents a serious threat to health and blue or brown that is highly aggressive and very serious health risks.
 
The SDA does not feel that enough care has been taken to protect the public from the adverse effects of asbestos.  Members of the SDA will continue to monitor the site to ensure that all asbestos is removed in a controlled manner and that it is contained prior to and during the removal so that no particles are released into the atmosphere.”,1] ); //–>
It is becoming clear now that no attempt was made to carry out a full survey to determine if there was any asbestos on the site before work commenced that could give rise to public health fears.  Under current legislation, it is the responsibility of employers to carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment so as to determine what asbestos is or is liable to be present.  Further the employer has a duty not only to protect employees from exposure to asbestos but also to protect any other person who may be affected by the work activity.
If this is the case, then no work should have been carried out on the surface covering of the Water Tanks.  Before works commenced the asbestos should have been stripped off the roof covering of the Water Tanks.  Only then should the drilling for the geo technical survey have taken place.
The SDA hopes that before the asbestos is removed the extent and type will be determined.  Asbestos dust is highly toxic.  There are three types, white which represents a serious threat to health and blue or brown that is highly aggressive and very serious health risks.
The SDA does not feel that enough care has been taken to protect the public from the adverse effects of asbestos.  Members of the SDA will continue to monitor the site to ensure that all asbestos is removed in a controlled manner and that it is contained prior to and during the removal so that no particles are released into the atmosphere.
 
In an effort to allay fears that are being widely expressed by residents in the area the SDA is calling on the Government and OEM International Limited to disclose fully the extent of the problem and inform them on any plans to remove asbestos from\n the site before they are carried out.  This has become even more critical now that the Health and Safety Inspectors have informed SDA representatives, this morning, that they have been instructed not to disclose any information to members of the public verbally on this matter.  As from to day all queries regarding asbestos on the Rosia Tanks site must be put in writing to them.
 
The SDA is distressed and angry.  It means, in effect, that any person who has any fears for their health can no longer call in to request information on or be reassured as to the extent of the asbestos present, the type or the manner of its\n removal. 
 
This is seen as a clear signal, once again, that the Government is trying to obscure the whole affair.  In view of this the SDA has written to the Health & Safety Inspectors and sent copies to the Chief Minister\’s Office, His Excellency the Governor, the three MEPs who are supporting the campaign, the Chairman of the Development and Planning Commission and OEM International Limited, so that they are in no doubt that this matter is being monitored closely and that the SDA expects full disclosure promptly.
 

SOUTH DISTRICT ASSOCIATION”,1] ); //–>

In an effort to allay fears that are being widely expressed by residents in the area the SDA is calling on the Government and OEM International Limited to disclose fully the extent of the problem and inform them on any plans to remove asbestos from the site before they are carried out.  This has become even more critical now that the Health and Safety Inspectors have informed SDA representatives, this morning, that they have been instructed not to disclose any information to members of the public verbally on this matter.  As from to day all queries regarding asbestos on the Rosia Tanks site must be put in writing to them.
The SDA is distressed and angry.  It means, in effect, that any person who has any fears for their health can no longer call in to request information on or be reassured as to the extent of the asbestos present, the type or the manner of its removal. 
This is seen as a clear signal, once again, that the Government is trying to obscure the whole affair.  In view of this the SDA has written to the Health & Safety Inspectors and sent copies to the Chief Minister’s Office, His Excellency the Governor, the three MEPs who are supporting the campaign, the Chairman of the Development and Planning Commission and OEM International Limited, so that they are in no doubt that this matter is being monitored closely and that the SDA expects full disclosure promptly.

SOUTH DISTRICT ASSOCIATION

Letter forwarded to Mr. Peter Caruana, Chief Minister from Europa Nostra, the pan European Federation for Cultural Heritage

February 10, 2006 at 5:07 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Re: save the Rosia Water Tanks

Dear Chief Minister,

Europa Nostra, the pan European Federation for Cultural Heritage, which is presided

over by HRH the Prince Consort of Denmark, has been informed by its member

organisation Gibraltar Heritage Trust (GHT) and the South District Association (SDA) of

the imminent threat of destruction of the Rosia Water Tanks in Gibraltar, an outstanding

example of late 18th century naval architecture with great historic, cultural and

architectural significance for Gibraltar and for Europe as a whole.

As the voice of the civil society associations concerned with the conservation and

enhancement of cultural heritage throughout Europe, we urge you to use your authority

to postpone the planned works and engage into the necessary process of public

consultation on the development of the Rosia Water Tanks site and the possible

alternative locations for the affordable housing project.

We have been given to understand that the planned apartment building, known as

Nelson’s View, will detract from what remains of the heritage of Rosia Bay. It will

overshadow the Victualling Yard and Parson’s Lodge which won a Europa Nostra

Diploma in 1996 for the careful repair and restoration of the historic fortification. But

most importantly this construction will destroy the unique Rosia Water Tanks, of great

historical and architectural value, as has been underlined by two leading experts on

British Naval History, Dr Colin White, Director of the National Maritime Museum in

Portsmouth and Dr Jonathan Coad, a member of the Europa Nostra Scientific Council

and Vice-President of the Society for Nautical Research.

According to Dr Coad, the Rosia Water Tanks are an important element in the

extraordinary concentration of historic naval and military installations on the Rock of

Gibraltar and should be a key element in any submission that Gibraltar will make for

World Heritage Site status. In addition, if regenerated the Rosia Water Tanks could

benefit the public at large, add to the quality of life of the Gibraltarians and provide a

further attraction for Gibraltar’s many visitors, generating income for many sectors of

society.

Europa Nostra fully appreciates the needs to build affordable housing for families in

Gibraltar but shares the GHT’s view that this should not be done at the expense of the

valuable heritage assets of the Rock, especially if alternative locations do exist. In this

respect we have been informed by the GHT and the SDA that alternative locations for

the development of affordable housing have already been suggested, namely:

Queensway, Windmill Hill, Europa Point, Eastern Beach and Buena Vista Barracks.

I

n the light of the above we reiterate our appeal to postpone the start of the works and

engage into a proper public consultation process with all parties concerned before a

final decision is taken. This decision should seek to strike the right balance between the

two complementary objectives: to provide affordable housing and to protect Gibraltar’s

cultural heritage.

Our Scientific Council and Secretariat remain at your full disposal for any further advice

you might wish to obtain.

Sincerely,

Sneska Quaedvlieg Mihailovic

Secretary General

Cc: Sir Francis Richards, Governor of Gibraltar

Mr Fabian Vinet, Heritage Minister

Mrs Gisele Sene, Chairperson of the South District Association

The Chairman of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust

Dr Ann Coats, Secretary of the Naval Dockyards Society

Prof Gianni Perbellini, Chairman of the Europa Nostra Scientific Council

Dr Jonathan Coad, Member of the Europa Nostra Scientific Council

Our letter to the Health & Safety Inspector

February 10, 2006 at 4:55 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

South District Association

PO Box 1469

Gibraltar

E-mail: savetherosiatanks@yahoo.co.uk

Health & Safety Inspector

Ministry of Employment

Unit 76 Harbour’s Walk

The New Harbours

Friday 10th February 2006

Dear Sir,

RE: Construction Work at Rosia Water Tanks Site

During the past couple of weeks works have been going on the aforementioned site. Three to four men have

been working on the drilling, and another team of approximately 3-4 men have been working on the demolition

of various walls on an ‘on and off” basis. During this time, various residents have seen on repeated occasions,

some of these men urinating within and around the site. This is a disgusting habit, and surely, these men should

be provided with adequate facilities for this purpose. The fact that there are no WC facilities on site more than

confirms this disgusting and unhygienic behaviour.

However, (as shown in the photographs provided), some of the site operatives are not wearing the appropriate

safety headgear either. This is the case at all times, and the photographs show that it even occurs when the

operatives are watching the lifting of heavy drilling bore rods from extremely close proximity.

Furthermore, there are no warning signs outside the site, even when machinery is at times blocking the roads.

Up until a few days ago, a 75 mm water hose was laid completely across the roadway (used to provide salt

water from a fire hydrant) again without any warning signs whatsoever. This was obviously dangerous,

especially for mopeds and bicycles, because upon complaint to the Police, this dangerous practice has ceased.

We therefore find it very surprising, that your Department is allowing all of these Health and Safety issues to

go completely unchallenged. We trust that due diligence will be exercised on this particular site as is the case

on any other in Gibraltar.

Yours sincerely,

Gigi Sene (Chairperson)

South District Association

 

 

 

Gibraltar MEP joins calls to save Rosia water tanks

February 10, 2006 at 4:42 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Neil Parish, one of Gibraltar’s MEP’s, has joined the campaign to stop the destruction of the historical Rosia water tanks in Rosia Bay. Mr Parish has written to the Chief Minister, Peter Caruana urging him to reconsider the decision to allow the development of an apartment complex on the site where Admiral Nelson’s body was unloaded after the Battle of Trafalgar.

Mr Parish said

“I am very supportive of the government’s attempts to provide low cost housing for the people of Gibraltar but we must not overlook the long term benefits of preserving sites that provide a link with our past.

“These tanks provide the people of Gibraltar and tourists with an insight into the world of nineteenth century naval ports. It would be very sad to lose a site which holds such tremendous heritage value. It will also rob future generations of the opportunity to view authentic links Gibraltar has to the most famous battle of the Napoleonic wars.

“This development will not only destroy the water tanks, but will also impinge of both Parsons Lodge and Victualling Yard, two more historical heritage sites in Gibraltar.

“Gibraltar has precious few of these sites. We should seek to protect those that we do have. It is for this reason that I have written to the Chief Minister and I hope that he will take notice and halt the development before it is too late.”

ENDS

For further information please contact Neil Parish on +44 (0) 7788 443231

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