Opposition Leader Alfred Sant yesterday criticised the government for not delivering on its promises for numerous projects announced over the years in connection with Dock No. 1 in Cospicua.

He told a press conference the government had been promising one project after another in the area for at least 13 years. The development should have included a community centre, a shopping arcade, apartments and an aquarium.

Speaking in front of the dock, Dr Sant said the people of Cottonera have been promised many things that were never carried out. Projects for the dock were among a series of promises made by the government over the years but never materialised.

He said that after the upcoming general election his party would be giving its plan for the Grand Harbour, of which the dock forms part, topmost priority.

Dr Sant warned the authorities not to enter into any hasty agreements on the eve of a general election, adding that these would be well looked into by his party in government in order to ensure they are in line with the MLP's plans for the Grand Harbour. It had become a routine that whenever he holds a press conference the government tries to make it look as if it is addressing the problems raised by the MLP.

The Ministry for Urban Development said the government could not do any work until 2004, when the dock was still in the hands of the Malta Shipyards. It then started working on a development brief to establish its vision for the area. The project is taking longer than expected because the Malta Environment and Planning Authority demanded an environment planning statement, which threw the work back by some six months.

The ministry said Dr Sant's tactic was becoming clear: He calls press conferences so that when work starts he can say that this is in reaction to his prodding.

The ministry pointed out that in his 22 months as Prime Minister, Dr Sant did not implement any projects in Cottonera.