I refer to the article ‘OHSA has no cars for building site inspections’ (January 29).

The Occupational Health and Safety Authority clarifies that it had to make use of a reduced fleet in December 2015 not because the lease of the vehicles expired but because the tenderer was in breach of the contract of lease. This situation was for a very short period in December 2015.

The authority immediately took steps to rescind the contract in accordance with the procedures laid down in the same tender contract. Simultaneously, it also took steps to lease a number of cars from another company so as not to disrupt its operations.

Contrary to what is being implied, the authority continued with the pre-planned inspection campaign (and included in its annual plan of work for 2015), while still carrying out unannounced visits to construction site projects as well as investigating all complaints lodged.

The interim procedure of leasing of vehicles from a third party was followed up by the publication of a formal call for proposals for the provision of cars until a new contract is awarded. The OHSA is mindful of its obligations arising out of the public procurement regulations and other legislation with which it abides fully. This to ensure transparency, fairness and correctness in all its dealings.

The authority denies and rebuts the allegations made in the mentioned article as being unfounded. Statements such as “OHSA has no cars for building site inspections” and “building sites are not being checked by OHSA inspectors because there are no cars available for them” are completely untrue and vexatious.

The authority regretfully notes the malicious intent of the source of the information as providing untrue, incomplete and out-of-context information to the journalist and, for this reason, will refrain from discussing the matter any further.

Editorial note: After receiving the information, the Times of Malta e-mailed a set of questions to the Social Dialogue Ministry, which is politically responsible for OHSA, but no replies were received.