The Cottonera waterfront rehabilitation project cost the previous administration €1.5 million in architects’ fees, according to Infrastructure Minister Joe Mizzi.
Addressing a press conference at Dock 1, where regeneration works are under way, Mr Mizzi lambasted the Nationalist Party’s “financial mismanagement” of the project.
“This project has been riddled with problems from the get go. We are committed to finishing it,” he said.
The project involves the conversion of the former dry docks into a paved promenade and the refurbishment of Gavino Gulia Square.
In six months we have done more than six years worth of promises by the PN on this project
Standing along the bustling construction site, Mr Mizzi said the bulk of the refurbishment was expected to be finalised by the first week of December, a few days before the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
The minister said he was committed to finishing the works in time for the highly anticipated event.
“This project has caused significant inconvenience but we are committed to meet this new deadline and not obstruct this important local feast,” he said. Some 80 per cent of the project has been completed and the final stages of turf laying and landscaping are set to begin soon.
“In six months we have done more than six years worth of promises by the PN on this project,” Mr Mizzi said.
He said the project had cost the former government some €5 million and had run €1 million over budget.
Mr Mizzi dedicated a large segment of his address to the project’s several “hiccups”.
He said that adequate archaeological monitoring had not been carried out, which had resulted in a series of mishaps including the resurfacing of roads before Enemalta cables were laid.
“The mistakes made by the previous administration were rectified by the ministry in the opening weeks of the legislature,” he said.
The contentious project was originally announced back in 1996. However, an extended tendering process and repeated delays led to it being shelved until after the 2008 general election.
The project was eventually launched in 2011 but ran into another snag when Italian contractors, Costruzioni SpA, breached contract conditions.
New project architect David Vassallo was appointed to oversee the works shortly after the March general election.
Mr Vassallo told Times of Malta the project was now focused on finalising works on Gavino Gulia Square. He explained that while traffic was partially being allowed to flow through the area, a subterranean flood management system was being installed.
“This project has had its ups and downs but it is firmly on its way now and things are running smoothly. We are confident that, weather permitting, it will all go as planned,” he said.