Deborah Schembri sees no conflict of interest in having Musumeci as architect for private property

Gabriel Schembri Parliamentary Secretary for Planning Deborah Schembri sees no conflict of interest in using the services of architect Robert Musumeci in respect of work on a private property she has acquired in Burmarrad.

Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia recently revealed that Dr Schembri had acquired a property in Burmarrad, the house adjacent to the Prime Minister’s private residence. Mr Musumeci happens to be a government consultant for the reform of the Lands Department – which is being carried out by Dr Schembri’s office.

Asked by The Malta Independent if she feels that this constitutes a conflict of interest, the Parliamentary Secretary brushed off such a suggestion and said that the architect is working in his capacity as her personal architect.

“Everyone knew that I had bought a property in Burmarrad, there was no need for it to go out on any blog,” she said, while explaining that there is not much space left to buy in the St Paul’s Bay area.

Dr Schembri insists nothing has been hidden and that the permits were all filed in her name. “I see no conflict of inter- est. Dr Musumeci’s government consultation is only limited to planning and legislation”, she said, while saying that all the permits are available online for anyone to see.

Asked if she will be the one paying the fees incurred, Dr Schembri replied that “unless anyone offers to pool in the money”, she will be the one paying the bills.

Contacted by this newspaper for his comments, Dr Musumeci confirmed that his consultancy role with the government is not in any way connected with the outcome of planning applications, including this one. “My role with this government, as well as with the previous administration, does not prevent me – and has never prevented me – from holding a private professional practice.”

When asked how he would ensure that Dr Schembri did not receive any preferential treatment, the architect insisted that this application was no different from any other. “This application was filed and processed in a manner identical to any other application, so much so that it is currently open to public scrutiny.”

Confirming that the fees are being paid by her personally, Dr Musumeci said that Dr Schembri has already settled her bills to date and a VAT receipt had been duly issued. “There has been nothing to suggest that the said funds were money was not hers,” he added.

Robert Musumeci said he had passed on the relative VAT receipt to his client some time ago, as required by law, when the bill was settled.

Everyone knew that I had bought a property in Burmarrad, there was no need for it to go out on any blog