The government has failed to explain why it kept under wraps its agreement with China for a study on a monorail system that carries a potential price tag of €1.6 billion.
In a Memorandum of Understanding signed last July, China Overseas Engineering Group (Covec) committed itself to draw up, within two years, a preliminary feasibility study for the engineering, procurement, construction and financing of a monorail system for Malta.
The MOU says the Maltese government is “willing to build and operate a monorail system” while the Chinese are willing to construct the system” based on their “rich experience in such projects”.
Malta is seeking funds from the EU and the European Investment Bank to finance the monorail project.
According to sketchy details provided to Brussels, the monorail would consist of a 76 km long, two-line track that would criss-cross the island and integrate part of the pre-1931 railway infrastructure. It would take eight years to complete.
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