The police will step up its fight against illegal immigration and take on some of the army's duties with a new cache of equipment to patrol the coast.
A call for tenders, worth more than €1 million, has just been issued to supply the immigration section with vehicles, boats and observation and electronic equipment.
Although the police said it was not prudent to discuss the tender at this stage, when questioned whether there were enough human resources to utilise the cache, a government spokesman said that, although the section had a complement of about 20, it was not excluded that more would be assigned as illegal immigration increased.
Police from other sections who were temporarily assigned to the immigration section when illegal migrants were landed, he continued, also had to be better equipped.
Also, he noted, one had to bear in mind that the equipment was bound to malfunction and it was vital to have replacements.
The funds for the project coming mainly from the European Union's External Borders Fund, the tender document specifically calls for three off-road utility vehicles and panel vans specifically equipped to suit the force's needs.
It is also calling for a fibreglass boat with a cabin and two dinghies having all the necessary safety equipment, together with three trailers to carry them on land.
The equipment listed in the document includes six marine and four night vision binoculars, four night vision goggles and 40 loupes. Included are also 10 digital cameras of a high resolution together with powerful lenses and an external flash, 40 personal digital assistants, 15 laptops, of which three must be weatherproof and of a heavy duty, and 40 waterproof two-way radios.
The document, which specifies that applicants must either manufacture or supply, deliver, maintain and service the equipment, also lists spare parts and consumables.
The government spokesman said the project aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the immigration section by beefing up its resources.
"The challenge of illegal immigration being faced... and the significant increase in human resources deployed to control it at the border require the procurement of up-to-date and technical operating equipment and the mentioned operating equipment will allow the immigration section... to strengthen its control and surveillance at the border and the surrounding areas.
"The procurement shall also enhance the effectiveness and professionalism of personnel performing border control duties and will facilitate the mobility of the personnel specialising in border control activities with the use of vehicles equipped with sophisticated equipment. "Furthermore, staff training in the operation of the equipment is also foreseen as part of this project," he said.
For more information about the tender visit www.contracts.gov.mt.
kbugeja@timesofmalta.com