No completion date given for new Parliament

The Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation told the Parliamentary House Business Committee that contractors had not given a date by which the new Parliament building in Valletta will be completed.

The GHRC chairman, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said an updated programme of works presented by the contractors was still being evaluated, adding that the corporation was still waiting for replies and detailed explanations.

The building had to be completed by 30 September and Parliament was scheduled to reconvene today in the new chamber, but given the project delays, the House met at the Palace in Valletta.

Zrinzo Azzopardi explained that delays were caused by the high standards which slowed production, changes in work practices and, particularly, delays in the procurement of furniture by a sub-contracted Italian company.

He also said the chamber was the most time consuming part of the project and cited differences between contractors as another reason for the delays.

Infrastructure minister Joe Mizzi caused a stir when he blamed the delays on the former PN government, who he said had chosen the contractors and awarded a number of procurement contracts. He added that the current government had no fault in the delays, pointing out that it had issued fines upon becoming aware of the delays.

PN deputy leader Mario de Marco took umbrage at Mizzi’s remarks saying it was “unfair” to blame the previous administration and shed doubt on the completion of works given the long list of incomplete works.