The main projects around the Cottonera area were carried out by Nationalist governments over the years, said Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.

Speaking at the PN club in Vittoriosa, Dr Gonzi said the SmartCity project, which will be generating 5,600 employment opportunities, will bring a new breath of life to Cottonera.

Among the projects carried out in the area, the prime minister mentioned the construction of social housing, large restoration projects, the yacht marina, a residence for the elderly, modernisation of different areas, initiatives in the social sector like the opening of Centru Access and the health centre.

Referring to SmartCity, Dr Gonzi said the plan was to start pulling down existing factories at Ricasoli, so that infrastructural work on the city of technology would begin.

The prime minister said the Vittoriosa Waterfront would be inaugurated on Sunday. This development, which has given a new dimension to the area, was intended to boost tourism, generate more jobs and improve the surroundings, he said.

Speaking about Malta’s application to join the eurozone next January, Dr Gonzi said it was only Labour leader Alfred Sant who continued to speak negatively about the Maltese economy, but the EU had once again certified that the country’s economy was growing and the government’s initiatives were proving fruitful.

Dr Gonzi said the Maltese government’s achievements were confirming that the country was moving in the right direction. These achievements also confirmed that the Labour Party’s criticism on a number of issues were not based on truth.

He mentioned, among others, the fact that before the referendum on EU membership, Dr Sant had alleged that Malta would only receive Lm1.5 million from the EU, that Sicilians would invade the country and that many Maltese would lose their jobs.

The facts however, showed otherwise and contrary to Dr Sant’s allegations, EU membership has meant that the country’s economy was stronger and there was an array of opportunities for the Maltese, said Dr Gonzi.