Opposition whip David Agius insists he did not investigate e-mails sent to him alleging misuse of government funds in Gozo because it is not his remit to do so.

The e-mails, sent to him in 2013 by a Gozitan contractor, refer to construction works carried out in Għarb prior to the last general election. The works, including excavation for a football pitch and the building of a concrete platform, were allegedly carried out using Gozo ministry funds and without planning authority permits.

The contractor, who says he is yet to be paid for the work done, also claims that the jobs were carried out for the Għarb mayor “to make him more popular with the village people”.

Asked about the correspondence, Mr Agius said yesterday it was not his remit to investigate payment for public works, adding that by the time this was brought to his attention the Nationalist Party was already in Opposition.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat yesterday also referred to the issue.

Seek legal advice and come forward now – time is pressing

Speaking during a political rally in Qala, he asked why Mr Agius had previously denied knowledge of an alleged works scam involving former Gozo minister Giovanna Debono’s husband, Anthony. The alleged scam came to light earlier this month after a Gozitan whistleblower alleged that private works were offered for free to constituents and local councillors in the months leading to the 2013 general election, using public funds.

Reacting to this, Mr Agius said the e-mails clearly referred to public works and in no way related to the type of private works mentioned by the whistleblower.

Dr Muscat wondered who else had known about the matter within the PN, a question Mr Agius did not reply to when asked.

The Prime Minister urged more whistleblowers to come forward with information on the case, especially Gozitans.

He said that, as long as these fell within the criteria set by law, such individuals would be protected by the Whistle­-blower Act.

“Anyone with information, come forward, even if you were directly involved in this. Seek legal advice and come forward now because time is pressing,” he said.

The police are investigating the whistleblower’s claims and have been given a number of invoices, including for work on an illegal garage in a quarry, private works for a Nationalist Gozitan mayor, works on a restaurant near Victoria, works on private homes and even a fireworks factory.

All the material used, including cement, metal mesh and stone, was provided by the Gozo Ministry, it is being alleged.

The whistleblower is also claiming that the Gozo Ministry was in the practice of issuing invoices for works that never happened.