Opposition Leader Alfred Sant and a Labour delegation yesterday took il-coach tal-bidla and visited various locations to point out “corruption and incompetence” in the Nationalist government.

At the first stop, Dock No. 1, Dr Sant pointed out that a Nationalist government had been making promises to re-establish the area since 1994. He listed a number of proposals spanning from 1994 until February 2005, when, Dr Sant said, the Cabinet had approved a number of plans for the area and soon after published a development plan.

“However, another legislature is over and yet the project for Dock No. 1 has not yet begun,” said the Opposition Leader.

The next stop was Manwel Dimech Bridge. Dr Sant said that there is great confusion about the project and pointed out that various figures had been mentioned but added that no one really knows how much the project will finally cost.

The coach was also meant to stop at the Ta’ Qali crafts village and in front of the Mepa offices but did not do so because of time restrictions.

Speaking in front of the Malta Transport Authority (ADT), Dr Sant referred to the “racket” of allegations and bribes involving driving licences. He pointed out that the Prime Minister never lifted a finger against the responsible Minister – Jesmond Mugliett – and did not even accept his resignation.

The Opposition Leader also spoke about the “spider” Communications and Competitiveness Minister Censu Galea had once spoken about. Dr Sant said that Mr Galea himself had admitted that nothing could be done to remove the “spider” and, as a result, the corruption was left unchecked.

Finally, the coach stopped in front of Castille. Dr Sant said that Parliamentary Secretary Tony Abela was using the Office of the Prime Minister to continue offering his private services as a notary.

He referred to a letter dated 24 January 2005, sent by Dr Abela with an OPM letterhead giving his joint office the go-ahead for a private client.

Dr Sant also spoke about Parliamentary Secretary Tonio Fenech and accused him of using the Good Causes Fund to subsidise commercial schemes.

“Dr Gonzi defended these people and we believe that the heart of the corruption is here at Castille as the Prime Minister knew what was going on and did nothing about it,” he said.

In a reply issued later on in the afternoon, the Urban Development and Roads Ministry said that over six months ago, Mr Mugliett invited Dr Sant to hold a meeting with the ADT officials to discuss Manwel Dimech bridge.

Furthermore, it said, the minister wrote to MLP deputy leader Charles Mangion in November requesting him, or the Auditor General, to investigate Dr Sant’s allegations about the project.

However, said the ministry, Dr Sant never took up Mr Mugliett’s offer or was involved in the investigation.

Referring to Dr Sant’s comments about Dock No.1, the ministry said that the Opposition Leader twisted the truth about the whole project.

It went on to say that it was carried out according to all the procedures requested by the authorities – including Mepa. The ministry pointed out that nothing could be done until 2004 because Dock No. 1 belonged to Malta Shipyards.

After 2004, a development brief was drawn up which involved extensive consultation with all the stakeholders, it said.

The ministry pointed out that the project took longer than expected because Mepa requested an Environmental Planning Statement – something it had not requested originally. The project has to be discussed by the Mepa board and is awaiting the approval of the outline permit.