The Resources and Infrastructure Ministry said it re-organised, at the beginning of the legislature, its policy regarding implementation of projects. The re-organisation “led to the establishment of two specific divisions, namely one comprising Works Division that incorporations rehabilitation projects, and the other specifically catering for the Services Division”, the ministry said.

The three advisory rehabilitation projects committees: the Mdina Rehabilitation Committee (MRC), the Valletta and Floriana Rehabilitation Committee (VFRC) and the Cottonera Rehabilitation Committee (CRC) have been kept on board.

The ministry issued its statement in the wake of reports that Dr Ray Bondin has resigned from the ministry. It added that since September 2006, Dr Bondin ceased to be engaged as adviser to the minister, Ninu Zammit.

Dr Bondin has instead been specifically detailed as Executive Coordinator and Executive Secretary of the Rehabilitation Committees within the Works Division, reporting directly to the Director General (Works).

The ministry added that the change in its policy led to the implementation of a number of projects, including the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Mdina Paving, Hastings Garden, Cottonera Garden, the Mall Garden, and various other restoration works in Valletta, Floriana, Cottonera and Mdina.

The ministry did not say why the policy change was needed for these projects to be executed.