Opposition insists government shoulder its responsibilities

Labour MP Joe Mizzi yesterday called on Government Investments Minister Austin Gatt to assume political responsibility for the gas shortage and either take action or resign.

Speaking during question time in Parliament Mr Mizzi called on Parliamentary Secretary Tony Abela, who was replying on the minister's behalf, to explain who was responsible for the shortage since it had resulted that this was not due just to defective gas cylinders, but also lack of supply.

Dr Abela said the issue had started to develop when several thousand cylinders which were not up to standard were withdrawn. This had a ripple effect but the situation was expected to be in line by Thursday.

The minister, Dr Abela said, had requested an apology from those responsible at Enemalta and insisted they shoulder the burden if they were responsible for the shortcomings leading to the shortages.

Mr Mizzi asked Dr Abela if he believed the minister should assume his own responsibilities. Did Dr Abela not think that it was unacceptable for Malta, an EU member, to not have an adequate reserve of gas?

Indeed, what steps had been taken by the regulator, the Malta Resources Authority?

Dr Abela said Mr Mizzi was making a sweeping statement but the ministry was taking all the necessary attention to prevent a repetition of what had happened.

One could compare the situation to the long weeks of water shortages under Labour, for example. But rather than criticise, the government had acted to remedy the situation and avoid a repetition.

Mr Mizzi said that rather than compare with the past, the minister should shoulder responsibility. Should the government not see who was politically responsible and take steps against that person, if he did not resign?

Mr Abela said this should not be the attitude. One should see that the situation was not repeated.

Mr Mizzi asked if the resources authority had raised the matter with Enemalta and if any action was taken against the corporation for not keeping an adequate reserve of gas. Had any planning been made before the price of kerosene was raised?

Resources Minister Ninu Zammit said that besides the defective cylinders, he had heard minister Gatt say that demand for gas had risen by 28 per cent, because of the harsh winter, further compounding the issue.

The MRA was the regulator and it periodically received information on stocks. But due to the cold, demand for gas this winter had exceeded normal levels.