Melita dismisses oily contractor

A contractor working for Melita plc will not be hired again by the company after his Hiab spilt hydraulic oil on the new paving in Tower Road, Sliema.

The incident took place on Saturday when the contractor was working in the area in front of the former Joinwell showroom.

Resources Minister George Pullicino wrote to the company holding it responsible for damages to the pavement that was only done up last year.

Contacted yesterday, a spokesman for Melita said the oil spillage happened while one of its independent contractors was carrying out maintenance work in Sliema. Melita was not informed about the incident until Tuesday.

"Although not directly involved, Melita took action with the contractor and it demanded the area be cleaned up immediately at his expense. The oil was cleaned up this morning (yesterday)," the spokesman said, adding that "the individual concerned will not be working on any other Melita projects".