The government is evaluating the potential of the Ta' Qali pitkali site but no decision has been taken to move the vegetable market, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Jose' Herrera said in reply to parliamentary questions this afternoon.
The minister was replying to questions by Nationalist MP Censu Galea about whether the market would be moved elsewhere and whether it would be run by the private sector. Nationalist MP Toni Bezzina also asked about maintenance works at the facility.
The minister and Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes said the site had been left in a state of disrepair for years, but this government would issue a tender for repairs.
As for the longer-term future, Dr Herrera said nothing was cast in stone and the government would discuss the full potential of the site.
Mr Galdes said leaking roofs need to be replaced and machinery needs to be replaced to ensure that the vegetable market meets current requirements.