When the first two seats were installed in the new Parliament chamber, it was evident there was a “serious issue that had to be addressed”, according to the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation chairman.
Times of Malta spoke to Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi after Opposition leader Simon Busuttil commented on the narrow space between the seats and the desks, the latest in the string of problems plaguing the new Parliament’s construction.
In his criticism to the Budget speech on Monday, Dr Busuttil said the new chamber could not be opened at the end of the year. He noted that the space between the seats and the desks was so small one could not even stand. Much work, he said, was needed to remedy the situation.
The architects are seeing how it can be addressed
Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi was asked what had caused the problem, why was it not foreseen and what was being done to remedy the situation.
He replied the seating layout was in accordance with the drawings approved by Renzo Piano Building Works. The designs were made within the parameters of the chamber’s dimensions, which were defined at the start of the project.
“When the first two seats were installed, it was evident to all that there was a serious issue that had to be addressed. GHRC immediately flagged the matter to the architects, who are seeing how it can be addressed.”
The €80 million project, which includes the new entrance to Valletta and the open theatre and which was originally set to be completed in November 2012, has been dogged by delays from the very start. Following a number of postponements, the government last summer assured the House Business Committee the new Parliament would be inaugurated on October 13, when the House reconvened after the summer recess. However, less than two weeks before that date, it was announced the project would not be completed on time.
The new Parliament saga:
2008: Project intent by the government.
2009: Appointment of Renzo Piano as the main architect and consultant to the project.
2009/10: Preparation and publication of tenders.
2010: Full development permit issued by Mepa. Appointment of Bovis as the main project management company; appointment of Arup as main engineering consultants. Start of drilling of the heat exchange boreholes. Start of excavation works and trimming of rock.
2011: Excavation works completed for the substructure of the Parliament. Preparation of foundation works.
2012: Fixing of steel supports to house the masonry blocks for Parliament building in full swing. First fix installation of mechanical and electrical services. Master programme by Bovis showing completion of Parliament by December 2012 not achieved.
2013: Start of finishing and internal glazing works of the building. Fixing of cladding stone progresses slowly. Second fix installation of mechanical and electrical services. Master programme by Bovis to complete City Gate by March 2013 not achieved. In September, Bovis issues a revised master programme with a completion date of May 29, 2014.
2014: Second and third fix installations of mechanical and electrical services. Continuation of finishing, tiling, raised flooring and internal glazing and cladding at Parliament. Railings of staircases completed. Installation of timber parquet flooring for the offices and installation of some of the furniture. Master programme by Bovis of completion by May 29, 2014 not achieved. In August, contractors commit themselves to a new completion date of September 30, which is also not achieved. Application of penalties imposed from October 1.