Council, ministry at odds over dock project

The Cospicua local council has expressed satisfaction that both the government and the opposition agree about the importance of regenerating the Grand Harbour.

However, it slammed the government for lack of consultation and called on it to declare what it intends to do regarding the Dock Number 1 project.

This triggered a strong reaction from the Investments Ministry, which said the project was already at negotiation stage between the government and the Romegas consortium, which had submitted an application with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

Back in 2001 the government had voiced its intention to convert the dock and surrounding buildings into a recreational and tourist centre.

Mayor Joseph Scerri complained that the government's initiative was discriminating and insulting towards Cospicua residents since their hometown had been excluded from the proposed projects.

On September 1, the government unveiled 20 proposed projects that would revamp the area while respecting its historic value.

Mr Scerri said it was now clear that the dock project would not be completed before 2015.

However, the ministry said not only did the government want the dock to be developed well before 2015, but it was already at the implementation phase.