Financial advisors Nexia BT last year won a number of government contracts in various areas including those that fell under Konrad Mizzi’s direct political responsibility.
According to information just published in the Malta Government Gazette, in 2015, Nexia BT, which had set up Panama companies for Dr Mizzi and the Prime Minister’s aide, Keith Schembri, was awarded a €120,000 contract to advise the government about waiting lists at Mater Dei Hospital. The contract was given under the so-called ‘negotiated procedure’, which means the selection was restricted.
Government procurement rules allow this type of procedure to be used in cases where the services cannot be provided by everyone but only by a restricted few who specialise in the service sought.
Industry sources expressed surprise that the restricted procedure was applied in this case, arguing that Nexia BT was not known for its expertise in the health sector.
The contract was given under the so-called ‘negotiated procedure’, which means the selection was restricted
Last year, Nexia BT also won two other contracts awarded by government agency Projects Malta, which used to fall under the responsibility of Dr Mizzi when he was minister for health and energy.
In 2015, Projects Malta, responsible for the privatisation of a number of health services, including Gozo General, St Luke’s and Karin Grech hospitals, gave two direct orders to Nexia BT for the provision of general procurement management services and other consultancy services. It is not yet known what government projects were connected to these services and what was the value of the contracts.
The Malta Government Gazette also indicated that Nexia BT was given two assignments in the oil and maritime services sectors.
The Economy Ministry awarded Nexia BT a €41,300 direct order to do a review of the bunkering legal framework. The same ministry paid Nexia BT International €7,000 for a business plan in connection with a new policy in the maritime sector.
Meanwhile, the company owned by Mr Schembri, Kasco Ltd, won a €65,000 contract to supply photocopy paper to Mater Dei. This tender was awarded by the central procurement and supplies unit at Mater Dei, which used to fall under the political responsibility of Dr Mizzi.
The Office of the Prime Minister has so far failed to give details on the number of contracts and payments made to Nexia BT since Labour returned to power in 2013.
The Times of Malta has filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act to obtain such information.
ivan.camilleri@timesofmalta.com