Preferred bidders for two marinas

Preferred bidders have been announced for the privatisation of two yachting centres.

Negotiations will soon begin with Creek Developments Foundation, made up of boat owners who berth in Msida and Ta' Xbiex, as the preferred bidder for the same marina, the government said.

Likewise, Harbour Management Ltd was chosen as the preferred bidder for the marina in Mġarr, Gozo. The company, which forms part of the Melita Marine Group, currently runs the marina on Manoel Island. The marinas' facilities and infrastructure will have to be upgraded within two years.

The privatisation process is in line with the government's policy to entrust operational activities to the private sector while limiting the role of the public sector to policy setting and regulation. Twelve bids were submitted for the yacht marinas two months ago and they were processed by a specifically appointed adjudicating committee.