Mosta council was, up to a fortnight ago, holding talks with the Resources Ministry on an upgrading of the car park near the church, only to suddenly learn that the car park was earmarked for privatisation by Transport Malta, Labour councillor  Alex Muscat said.

He said that the Resources Ministry officials never indicated that the site might be privatised.

[attach id=212335 size="medium"]Mosta council was unaware of plans to privatise the locality's car park[/attach]

Mr Muscat was one of the speakers at a press conference given by Labour councillors from various localities where the government had planned to privatise car parks.

The press conference was presided by Rabat Mayor Sandro Craus.

Mr Craus complained that the privatisation process had been planned behind the councils' back and the councils wanted it cancelled.

He  argued that responsibility for the car parks should be handed to the councils. While Rabat council had no issue with private sector involvement in the management of the car parks, he felt that no charges should be imposed for residents.

Vince Borg, a councillor from Floriana, shared his views, adding that charges should also not imposed on those using health centres.

The privatisation plans for 32 car parks were announced by Transport Malta but were suspending on instructions from the government pending a debate in parliament. 

The Opposition has called for the debate to be held with urgency. The Speaker will rule on the matter this evening.

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