Through a specifically appointed negotiating team, the government is asking Skanska to explain why the new hospital will end up costing more than they originally estimated, said Dr Gonzi. The government was trying to safeguard the interests of the Maltese people, he said, adding that the opposition leader was attacking the process at its most delicate stage.
“In whose interest is the opposition leader trying to undermine this process,” Dr Gonzi asked. “I expect a clear answer, because Dr Sant’s actions do not make any sense.”
Dr Gonzi was reacting to comments made by Dr Sant on the subject during a press conference on Saturday and repeated yesterday during an MLP activity in Balzan.
Speaking at a seminar held at the Imgarr Hotel in Gozo yesterday, Dr Gonzi said: “It is clear that there are people who have an agenda to undermine the government’s work.
“I am constantly offering my hand to the opposition leader, asking for cooperation in the interests of the country, but he keeps reacting to these invitations by lashing out at the government’s work,” he said.
The most recent of these reactions was the open attack Dr Sant directed at the people negotiating with Skanska over the new hospital, the Prime Minister said. The government wants the new hospital to have the best facilities available, he stressed, adding that the building delays meant more costs, which is why the government is asking the company responsible for the design and estimates for explanations.
Instead of cooperating on this with the government in the interests of the Maltese people, Dr Sant held a press conference to hinder the government’s efforts, he said. “Instead of backing the government, Alfred Sant wants to do someone a favour. We are at a delicate stage and the opposition leader has decided to frustrate the process. I expect clear answers. This is a serious government and will continue to be so.”
On the subject of the next budget, Dr Gonzi said that proposals were being drawn up and will be presented shortly. He said that this will be a different budget because the government will be looking at not just one year but will be making projections for the next five years, until 2010.
Commenting on remarks made by Gozo Business Chamber president Michael Caruana and Gozo Tourism Authority Secretary Joe Muscat regarding the building of an airstrip in Gozo, Dr Gonzi said that the government needed to hear more from Gozitan people regarding their feelings on the subject.
He said that there had been a time when people in Gozo were mostly against the project. But now representatives of two important Gozitan associations are calling on the government to build an airstrip.
There are important decisions to be taken regarding Gozo, he said, referring to the provision of a
golf course and a yacht marina on the sister island. Both these developments are needed for the expansion of Gozo.
The government is committed to retaining the identity and natural beauty of the island and is steadfast in its intention to create jobs for Gozitans in Gozo through projects that create employment, Dr Gonzi concluded.