The government and the Opposition are in discord over the composition of the Lands Authority Governing Board. Bill 116 which established the new Lands Authority proposes the setting up of a Lands Authority Board, made up of ten individuals, seven of whom are to be directly appointed by the government with a parliamentary representation for the Opposition. However, the Nationalist Party is in disagreement as it believes that politicians should not be appointed on this Board.

Speaking to The Malta Independent, PN’s spokesperson for Planning Ryan Callus said that political interference is what led to the Gaffarena and Café Premier scandals in the first place, and that is why the government reform should make sure to leave MP’s out of such Boards.

PN MP Ryan Callus is proposing that the Board’s architect, lawyer and auditor are chosen by their respective entities (Chamber of Architects, Chamber of Lawyers and the Institute of Accountants) and not by the government.

“Lands and planning are already sectors which lack public trust. Didn’t we learn anything at all from the Gaffarena and Café Premier scandals?” Callus added.

The NAO reports on these two scandals, one of which caused the downfall of Michael Falzon from Parliamentary Secretary for Lands, highlighted the “political interference” in the two separate cases.

Meanwhile, Advisor on the Lands Reform, Architect Robert Musumeci disagrees. In comments to this newsroom, Mr Musumeci explained that the government wants MPs to sit on this Board so as to be able to report directly to parliament if any irregularities arise.

He said that the Nationalist Opposition does not want MPs to sit on the board, but wants to have representatives chosen by the party.

Mr Musumeci explained that the Lands Authority will be run by a Board of Governors, meaning that decisions will not be taken by politicians any longer.

“The incumbent government wants that the Opposition to be directly represented on the Board of Governors through one of its MPs. In that way, any detected shortcomings could be instantly reported to Parliament. This ratio is of course aimed to ensure full accountability on the part of all stakeholders.”

Mr Musumeci said he finds the Opposition’s position odd, “since having the Opposition reporting directly to Parliament through one of its MPs is tantamount to the highest level of accountability”.

In a statement, the Chamber of Architects said it strongly supports the proposal that the auditor, lawyer and architect should be chosen by their respective chambers. The Chamber said that this will ensure independence of these professionals from the Government of the day and a double level of accountability of these professionals towards the Board of Governors and also towards the profession which they represent.