Architectural firm paid almost €200,000 in direct order

Architectural firm Innovate Architectural Structure Ltd (iAS) has been paid €189,504.28 in direct order for plans on the new gas terminal plant at Delimara.

The figure was tabled in parliament by Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi in reply to a question raised by Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi.

Last year, MaltaToday reported that no tender had been issued to choose that or any other firm.

The plans were submitted by Malta Power and Gas Ltd, a company set up by the government to apply for permits before a successful bidder is chosen.

The plans for a combined cycle gas turbine, liquefied natural gas storage and regasification facilities and a 7,300 square metre jetty were presented to MEPA by architect Peter Zammit, who forms part of Innovative Architectural Structures Ltd (iAS).

The firm was chosen on the merit of "its capabilities and expertise", a spokesperson for Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi had told MaltaToday.

IAS is a multidisciplinary firm specialising in project management, architectural design and structural design, and is owned by architects Peter Zammit and Stephen Grech.

The government spokesperson explained that iAS is supporting Enemalta in aspects associated with "pre-development".

At the time, the ministry would not reveal how much the firm was being paid.

Architect Peter Zammit - a MEPA board member under the previous administration - designed the plans presented to MEPA.

Past clients of iAS include the US Embassy, Lufthansa Technik, Pender Ville Ltd, the Golden Sands Hal Ferh complex and Oil Tanking Co.

This was the second direct order awarded by the government by July in relation to the new power infrastructure.

Planning consultants ERSLI were chosen to coordinate the Environmental Impact Assessment for the new power station in the absence of a public tender. Instead of issuing one, the government sought a number of quotations, which were subsequently evaluated.

ERSLI is owned by architects Paul Gauci and Charles Gauci.