The Nationalist Party this morning again called on Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to act against Gozo minister Anton Refalo over public works in private property.

Addressing a press conference, PN deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami said that the ball was in Dr Muscat's  court and he could not continue to defend his erring minister at all costs.

He said that at least 10 cases of alleged abuse emerged in the past weeks regarding government works in private properties and no satisfactory explanation had been given.

"Now the premier is saying that he is satisfied as Dr Refalo replied to all claims. This is a blatant lie." Dr Muscat said.

Dr Fenech Adami said  Dr Refalo had not given a satisfactory explanations to most of the allegations being made against him.

Nothing had been said about works in a restaurant in Marsalforn, private fields in Ghasri behind the reservoir , properties in Triq il-Horg Kercem an Wied tal-Ghezien in Xaghra, works in a property used by a canvasser of Dr Refalo in Xatt l-Ahmar, works in a farm at Sanap, Munxar, works in two garages in Triq San Duminka in Victoria and works on a number of private garages at Ta’ Dbiegi, San Lawrenz.

The Commissioner of Police needed to assure the police that investigations into these cases were ongoing, Dr Fenech Adami said.

One could no longer have a situation where a person under investigation continued to have access to evidence, which he could  easily hide or tamper.

Dr Fenech Adami said that investigations should also be held on how, despite declaring very low income over the years, Dr Refalo managed to build a portfolio of some 20 properties.
 
Dr Fenech Adami said that is was becoming increasingly evident that Dr Refalo's   position was no longer tenable.

MINISTRY: ANTON REFALO IS NOT UNDER INVESTIGATION

In a reaction, the Ministry of Gozo said the minister is not under investigation nor has he been interrogated.

It said Dr Refalo was denying all the claims made by Dr Fenech Adami.

This, it said, was yet another attempt to mask the filth that used to take place under the former government.