The Investment, Industry and IT Ministry’s decision last week to come out with details of the proposed SmartCity in Ricasoli came days after this newspaper, in an editorial, had criticised the government for not being proactive and for not giving details of the project, when the plans had already been leaked to sections of the media.

This newspaper had argued that, once a draft copy of the plans was in the public domain, it would have been better for the government to come out and state the facts as they are, rather than having to respond to incorrect misinterpretations.

Although the reports were based on fact, the conclusions drawn were biased towards an agenda that was clearly intended to criticise the government and to imply that the public had been taken for a ride over the $300 million Internet City and promises that 5,600 jobs would be created.

Heeding advice is not something that government ministries are apt to do on a regular basis, let alone acting on that advice. So it is encouraging to note that the ministry has seen the sense of what we suggested.

The ministry’s decision also reinforces our point that the government needs to be proactive more often. This was more than evident last week, when there was so much confusion over whether the “19 per cent” figure given by Labour related to IT jobs or to the amount of land dedicated to the IT project.

The details released by the ministry on Saturday clarified this and many other details mentioned in the media.

If, as soon as it had realised there was a leak, the government had come out with the facts itself and explained that the 19 per cent of land would not house one-storey buildings but, for example, 10 high-rise blocks, there would have been little room for speculation.

And as Minister Austin Gatt said on Sunday in Gozo, those who leaked the plans – that are still in draft form – have done the country no service. What is worrying is not the fact that details of the plans emerged – that after all is what a newspaper should be doing – but the twisting and manipulation (and addition) of the figures to suit a political or business agenda.

Contrary to what one newspaper said about this newspaper, The Malta Independent is all in favour of the media divulging information that is in the public interest but, as every journalist should know, reporting and giving opinions do not mix. The journalist is also there to defend the public’s interests and, this newspaper believes, SmartCity is in the public’s interest and should be safeguarded.

Minister Gatt also made an important point on Sunday when he insisted that the project was more than just another “Mosta Technopark”. It is a city, and with that comes accommodation, hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and so on. This is a very important distinction to make.

The ministry has done the right thing, even though the final plans have not been presented to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority nor presented before parliament.

SmartCity is still at the concept stage. There is a lot more to be done, and hanging over the government’s neck is Damocle’s Sword. The government’s reputation is only as strong as its ability to give the public what it has promised: a $300 million investment that will create 5,600 jobs, 3,600 in IT alone.

This, ultimately, is what will seal the government’s fate – not the 19 per cent geared for IT development or the luxury villas in Ricasoli. SmartCity is more than that. Austin Gatt, as the minister responsible, has a tough job ahead of him but he firmly believes in the project and in the Maltese.

Rather than criticise and speculate now, it is only fair to give the project some breathing space. This newspaper fully supports this project yet it expects the government to fulfil its promises. If not, then we will be among the first to express our disappointment and anger.