Gozo Minister Anton Refalo yesterday declined to comment on claims his predecessor’s husband offered free construction work to constituents before the last election.

The police are investigating allegations that ex-minister Giovanna Debono’s husband, Anthony, used public funds to carry out free construction in the guise of public works.

Mr Refalo said he preferred not to comment as he did not want to compromise the investigation.

Police officers searched a Gozo Ministry building in Victoria on Wednesday and questioned employees. A number told this newspaper the investigating officers had verbally abused and threatened some of them.

Mr Refalo declined to comment, saying later he did not know what had happened as it was in a building away from his office.

He told Times of Malta he was hoping to attract visits to the sister island during the Easter period by targeting localities that did not organise their own events. A ministry spokesman said fliers had been sent out to 12 such localities that did not hold any Easter festivities of their own.

A four-day Easter celebration will be held in Gozo between March 19 and 22 and include re-enactments, exhibitions and a performance by the dance company Żfin Malta. Gozo Channel fares will be reduced.