Project manager for Dar Malta

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday that the government intended to appoint a project manager for Dar Malta in Brussels who would oversee works done by Belgian contractors.

He told Leo Brincat (MLP) in reply to parliamentary questions that no call for tender for the works had been issued since a contractor for the refurbishment works had already been selected by the previous owners of the property and the contract was taken over by the Maltese government on condition that variations could be made to tailor the property for its new purpose.

Dr Gonzi said development applications had been submitted to the relevant Belgian authorities. The process was expected to be completed by December. Work done so far involved demolition of internal sections, the building of a fire escape, removal of asbestos and removal of debris.

The property would be completed in phases starting between eight and 16 months after the granting of the permits.

Dr Gonzi said that as previously explained by the government, the works could not exceed Lm2.5 million. Lm100,608 have been spent so far.