WasteServ said that it has filed a response to a legal challenge in the Court of Appeal mounted by Hitachi Zosen Inova AG-Terna SA against a ruling by the Public Contracts Review Board (PCRB), which concluded that the waste-to-energy plant procurement process was conducted with utmost professionalism and transparency.

"The PCRB ruling in February had stated that WasteServ had been 'very meticulous in the way it proceeded in the evaluation" and that the number of experts appointed to assist with the procurement process "indicates the serious manner in which the Contracting Authority (WasteServ) proceeded'."

"The PCRB board also stated it was satisfied that WasteServ 'afforded the same and equal level of treatment to all economic operators participating in this tender process, to the fullest adherence to the content of the tender document'," WasteServ said.

"While WasteServ regrets that the filing of the appeal will hold up the implementation of a project which is essential for Malta's environment and waste management goals, it awaits the outcome of the process before the Court of Appeal."