Labour says PM defending 'confusion' of networks behind Delimara award to BWSC
Labour has accused the prime minister of defending the networks behind the award of the Delimara tender.
The party was reacting to news revealed by MaltaToday that former Enemalta CEO David Spiteri Gingell, who sat on the adjudication board of the controversial Delimara extension, was carrying out consultancy work for Vassallo Builders Group, the contractor for Danish firm BWSC.
“Lawrence Gonzi is letting down Maltese taxpayers, when he defends this confusion,” the PL said. “News that both the CEO and chairman of the committee that chose BWSC, is now a consultant for Vassallo, who is a BWSC contractor is shocking, and serious for whoever defends the Delimara contract, Lawrence Gonzi mostly.”
“Vassallo also employs former Enemalta chairman Alex Tranter and the Nationalist MP Charlò Bonnici. He is building a tradition of taking on holiday the PN secretary-generals, including Paul Borg Olivier.”
The former CEO’s consultancy firm has carried various assignments for the company, whose owner is magnate and PN donor Zaren Vassallo, and whose directors include the former Enemalta chairman Alex Tranter, who admitted to a conflict of interest in the Delimara tender process.
Spiteri Gingell’s firm LoQus was incorporated in October 2008, but up until April 2009, Spiteri Gingell says the firm was not involved in private work given his assignment to manage the Delimara tender adjudication.
In September 2009, LoQus was approached by Vassallo Builders to carry out a strategic review of the group, and sit on the strategic board for the implementation of the strategic report.
Labour said Spiteri Gingell defended the change in emissions rules, when he claimed this was carried out to comply with EU law but which has been belied by a letter from European Commissioner Michel Barnier (WATCH VIDEO at 7mins)
Spiteri Gingell had previously claimed that the changes to the emission rules had been carried out to comply with EU law, but the Commission is claiming an irregular procurement process after rules were changed to suit diesel technology only, and not gas-powered engines.
Spiteri Gingell also assumed responsibility for the choice of Lahmeyer International, which had previously worked with BWSC, whose analysis was instrumental for BWSC to be favoured by Enemalta. “Spiteri Gingell said he had never checked that LI was blacklisted by the World Bank,” Labour said.