Government departments were still evaluating where a number of “unaccounted” ministerial cars had ended up, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said.
“We are looking for the cars and will continue to do so until we find them,” Mr Mizzi told The Times yesterday.
He revealed in Parliament on Monday that a number of vehicles used under the previous administration were still unaccounted for and were being used by people who were not ministers and parliamentary secretaries.
When asked whether he spoke to the permanent secretary, who was responsible for the running of the ministry, Mr Mizzi said the department was evaluating everything.
“So far they can’t give me answers about certain cars I asked about.”
He would not say how many cars were unaccounted for and pointed out that the aim behind the process was to make the system more efficient and accountable.
“They are looking for the cars and, depending on the results, we’ll see what has to be done. It’s unacceptable that when someone new comes into office, they have to look for things,” Mr Mizzi said. In a “civilised country” there was usually a handover, he added. Mr Mizzi yesterday held a press conference on the Qormi bridge where works have started as part of the national flood relief project, which had been started by the previous Government. He made a commitment to complete the EU-funded project, worth around €57 million, within the set timelines but with the least inconvenience possible and with more coordination for it to be done properly.
The project is split into five parts. Tunnels were being excavated in the first stretch between Birkirkara and Msida, while the second part of the project, the water reservoir in Gżira was ready. However, theGovernment was waiting for a planning permit to build a parking area on top of the reservoir.
There are ongoing excavations in Żebbuġ where 650 metres of 1,200 metres have already been dug up.
Works on the fourth part of the project involving culverts and the embellishment of the Qormi bridge should be ready by the second half of 2014. In the next two months, works are expected to start on the fifth phase of the project towards Żabbar and Marsascala.
This project was fundamental to relieve flooding and would save up to 650,000 cubic metres of rainwater, Mr Mizzi added.