PM wants speedier permits for capital projects

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has called an urgent meeting with to ensure that it hastens permits for needed capital projects.

He said that in the current international climate it makes sense more than ever to stimulate the economy through capital projects, and referred to over €200 million worth of roads, beaches and schools which are awaiting Mepa's approval.

Speaking during a seminar on the economy organised by the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises, Dr Gonzi pointed out that following this drift, last week's EU Council summit decided to allow governments to reduce the bidding period for a tender from 87 days to 30 to speed up projects during 2009.

"We want projects to kick off now and not in three years' time," he said, adding that economic activity needs to be kick-started as soon as possible.

The announced meeting with Mepa comes as the authority embarks on a reform process that would shift its focus towards sustainable development. Last month Dr Gonzi said he will be insisting on consistency in the authority's decision-making process.

In an interview with The Sunday Times last month, Dr Gonzi said all previous reforms were intended to facilitate the issue of permits from Mepa but this would be the other way round. He said he hoped to finalise proposals by the end of the year for a legislative amendment together with other administrative amendments for the authority.