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 Mepa 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. He asked why Mr Agius had previously denied knowledge of an alleged works scam involving former Gozo minister Giovanna Debono’s husband, Anthony.

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.

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