The PN this afternoon said the government has reached an agreement “forgiving” €9 million in legitimate claims which the Enemalta Corporation had with BWSC while Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi was twisting facts and even trying to hide the agreement reached.

Dr Mizzi yesterday evening told Parliament that an agreement had been reached between the government and Danish firm BWSC after being locked in a €25 million dispute over fines and delays of the BWSC plant.

The PN continued that the Minister did so after the BWSC suggested the two sides are to relinquish the claims against each other.

The government’s decision means Enemalta has been held from submitting its claims before arbitration for them to be decided. Enemalta argued that BWSC’s clams were unfounded however, the minister decided to forgo arbitration.

The PN therefore requests:

·         The settlement agreement to be tabled in Parliament

·         That minister Mizzi immediately tables the advice and technical reports received by him before imposing such a settlement on the Corporation to the detriment of the Maltese people

·         Confirmation on whether the Attorney General gave its written advice on the claims and the Corporations legal position. If the AG gave such advice, the minister should name the lawyers giving the advice

·         Clarify why the minister did not let the Corporation carry out its duties independently and chase its money, when it was clear that the BWSC did not want to go to arbitration because its claims lacked a strong basis

In conclusion, the PN said it is clear the government reached the agreement forgiving the €9 million in claims and it is therefore legitimate for the Opposition to ask whose interest Dr Mizzi is defending.