White Rocks complex ‘not beneficial enough’

The project to turn the disused White Rocks area in Pembroke into a large sports complex was not carried out because negotiations with the interested parties did not offer enough benefits for the country, Nationalist Party deputy leader Simon Busuttil admitted yesterday.

The project was not carried out because we take things seriously- Simon Busuttil

The Government did not go through with the project, first proposed in 2010, because the conditions were not right, he said.

He compared it to Labour’s energy proposal, which was being put forward as a fait accompli when negotiations with private investors still had to take place.

He was speaking during a political debate organised by the Broadcasting Authority, in which the PN was accused of failing to deliver on its promises, with the White Rocks mentioned as an example.

“The White Rocks project was not carried out because we take things seriously,” he said. “Labour’s energy plan is irresponsible because, apart from costing €200 million more, it cannot be delivered in the promised time frame.”

Labour’s spokesmen, candidate Carmel Hili and deputy leader Toni Abela, both former AD members, stressed that he country was yearning for change and their party’s proposals gave people peace of mind.

Dr Busuttil and parliamentary secretary Clyde Puli said the PN delivered a secure past and present, built on sound finances, and was the only party which could guarantee a secure future.

AD deputy chairman Carmel Cacopardo said his party was proposing social justice, so that the land in Armier, which had been “stolen” by boathouse owners, is returned to the people.

He claimed that the PN and PL held meetings behind closed doors on the issue in an attempt to reach some form of arrangement with the boathouse owners.

He also spoke about the theft of water from illegal boreholes, leading to a “disastrous” water situation. AD was calling for the closure of all boreholes except for those used by Water Services Corporation.

Mr Cacopardo and Dr Busuttil disagreed over the proposed income tax cuts which the former described as “regressive”.

Dr Busuttil said Malta could only reduce the tax burden because its finances were on a sound footing.

Mr Hili likened this election to the one in 1987, saying people were craving change. He said Labour had admitted its mistakes and apologised and now welcomed people from all walks of life.

Mr Puli listed the Government’s achievements, including the increase in the median pay and the minimum wage, the childcare centres that had mushroomed, scholarships that were dished out and the 2,000 learning support assistants for students with special needs.

“Labour’s policies and ours are converging but Labour still remains a cheap imitation,” he said.

Mr Cacopardo questioned how the major parties were financing their campaigns running into millions, saying AD’s budget barely reached €20,000.