The Local Government Department, which is responsible for local councils, has begun an investigation into claims of a dishonoured Lm80,000 barter agreement between former Sliema mayor Albert Bonello Du Puis and construction magnate Charles Polidano.

Mr Bonello Du Puis has claimed that, three years ago, he entered into a verbal agreement with Mr Polidano, better known as Ic-Caqnu, for him to re-pave and re-surface four roads in the area instead of paying for using a tower crane on public land.

The roads in question were Gorg Borg Olivier Street, Dun Karm Psaila Street, Karm Galea Street and Guze Howard Street.

Mr Bonello Du Puis has claimed that Mr Polidano never honoured this agreement. However, Mr Polidano has denied the existence of such an agreement, and insists that the tower crane lies on private land.

Local Government director Natalino Attard told The Malta Independent on Sunday that “the Department had started its investigations” into the claims, but would make no further comment about the case as the investigation has not yet been concluded.

This newspaper had asked whether such barter arrangements were allowed by law, whether Sliema local council had sought prior authorisation or consulted the Local Government department before undertaking such an arrangement and whether the department would be taking any action over the

matter.

In a sworn statement, which was revealed in Malta Today two weeks ago, Mr Bonello Du Puis and the council’s executive secretary Althea Muscat claimed that the agreement was reached in the presence of Ian Farrugia, a foreman with Polidano Brothers.

However, Mr Farrugia has also denied the existence of such an agreement.

According to Mr Bonello Du Puis, Mr Polidano should have paid Lm1 a day for every square metre of public land occupied by the tower crane, but “I reached a sort of gentleman’s agreement with Mr Polidano.”

The agreement has caused a rumpus in Sliema local council. Labour councillor Martin Debono cried foul, insisting that the council had not been told about the deal.

The new Nationalist Sliema mayor, Marina Arrigo, seconded by Mr Debono, tabled a motion denying responsibility for any agreement reached without the approval of the previous council or not included in its financial report.