Well-known actor and theatrical producer, Edward Mercieca, has raised concerns in an interview with Times of Malta, over worsening respiratory problems since fine dust started to be blown into his home.“We’re living in an area that’s become a dust bowl…I’m breathing it in. My wife is breathing it in. People who come here are breathing it in,” Mercieca told Times of Malta.Mercieca blames alleged illegal rock crushing taking place across the road from his home and theatre “Theatre Next Door” in Magħtab in Triq Il-Kappella Ta’ Santa Marija.The plant started operating around a year ago and is run by Tal-Magħtab Construction Company Limited. The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) issued a stop and compliance order (OWK0004/24) against the company on 29th November 2024.“Do you think I’d let my two-and-a-half-month-old granddaughter come and spend time in my garden when she’s breathing this rubbish in?” Mercieca said.Despite facing cumulative fines of €6,000, the company has applied for an Environmental Permit which is still pending.“There’s so much dust in Malta, I can’t put my hand on my heart and say it’s definitely him, but it definitely cannot be doing us any good and it’s certainly not going to get better. If anything, it’s going to get worse,” Mercieca said.Mercieca went on to say that it doesn’t bother him whether this activity is legal or not but the dust and improper treatment of dust (using water) does since it dirties Mercieca’s home and damages his theatre equipment.MEP David Casa even took to X to share a letter written by Magħtab residents out of their concerns for the dire situation. Casa went on to urge the ministry to act and to help uphold citizens’ rights over company profits.Have you experienced this? Get in touch with us on hello@lovinmalta.com to share your story•