Update 2 | PN’s allegations ‘fictitious and baseless’ • Government publishes invoices

PN calls for Gozo Minister's resignation

The government has published invoices issued by the Nadur local council in 2002 proving that the works carried out in an alley in Nadur was paid for by the council, during Chris Said’s term as mayor of the locality.

The invoices were published in reaction to calls by the Nationalist Party for Gozo Minister Anton Refalo’s resignation. The PN claimed Refalo’s position was “no longer tenable as the ministry was under investigation”.

Police sources however denied that such an investigation was underway, with one source saying that the police "was not in a position to act until a formal report is made". The same source expressed surprise at the newspaper report.

The PN is now calling for any whistleblowers to come forward.

Separate sources said that the police had direct access to the Gozo offices of the Construction and Maintenance Unit (CMU) after "a key" was requested. As soon as the police launched its investigation into the works-for-votes case, two police officers were placed outside the Gozo Ministry and the CMU offices.

The Times claimed that works under investigation include a concrete platform at a Marsalforn restaurant and in other private residences in Ghasri, Xaghra, Ghajnsielem, Munxar and Victoria.

In a statement, the government said the allegations put forward by the PN were “fictitious and baseless”. It confirmed that the Police had access to all files, irrespective of the months or years.

“The invoices confirm that the works were carried out on request of the local council,” the Gozo Ministry said, referring to the one of the alleged cases quoted by the PN.

“Subsequently, more works were carried out by the Nadur local council – works which according to Fenech Adami shouldn’t have been carried out by the government.”

The government said it found no difficulty in the police investigating any works.

“The Gozo scandal is the National Party’s alone and the only person arraigned in court is Giovanna Debono’s husband,” the government said.

The Gozo Ministry once again called on the Opposition to reveal what was said between the Gozitan whistleblower and PN leader Simon Busuttil.

In a press conference convened earlier today, PN deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami said nine cases had been revealed so far of public funds being used for private works, among them that for a canvasser of the minister. “I call on the police to intensify investigations and make use of the Whistleblower Act to give protection to witnesses who prove useful to the police.”

“Anton Refalo’s position as minister is no longer tenable now that a police investigation is underway, so that no evidence can be tampered with or hidden during this investigation,” he said.

“A minister is being investigated by the police over abuses that took place inside the ministry,” Fenech Adami said. “It is time for Joseph Muscat to take the decision that the people expect him to take.”

The Gozo Ministry also denied a report published in PN organ il-Mument, claiming that works were carried out for one of Refalo’s canvassers using publicly procured material.

The technical officer assigned at the Projects Department within the Gozo Ministry, Anthony Mallia, presented a signed declaration saying that the rubble wall was rebuilt by the public works employees after works being carried out on the sidewalk resulted in the collapse of the wall.