Government mum on hotel and apartments on prime site on Gozo public land

Gozo Ministry will not reveal MOU signed for Aquatic Sports Centre

The Gozo Ministry remained mum for several weeks following questions sent by The Malta

Independent revealing a concession to build a hotel and apartments on public land as part of the new aquatic centre set to be built by a private contractor on public land.

The Malta Independent has been trying to establish the details of a Memorandum of Understanding which was signed last November between the government and GNI Limited, a consortium created by ‘240 Limited’ specifically for this project.

The signing of the agreement, which remains secret, followed a request for proposals

to the private sector issued by the Ministry for Gozo through the Privatisation Unit to design, build, maintain and operate a sports complex.

In a short reply, which ignores most of the relevant questions, the ministry confirmed that an MOU was signed but simply said that, “the process will now resume with work on project specifics and dynamics which will be communicated as developed.”

Asked to specify if public land will be granted to a private consortium to build accommodation dwellings on public land the ministry did not answer, stating simply that “Government will fulfil its electoral commitment to deliver a natatorium complex in Gozo. This project is in line with the ministry’s plans to develop new facilities, including in the sports sector, which continue strengthening Gozo’s position as a unique destination.”

The Malta Independent proceeded with an FOI request, which was also followed up by The Times of Malta, but information has not been forthcoming. The request has now been lodged with the Commissioner of Data. Several attempts to speak to the consortium awarded with the concession went unanswered.

The information acquired by The Malta Independent from third party sources states that the land in Victoria, situated next to the State school but also in the heart of the commercial district in Gozo, will be given to the contractors for sixty years, and not thirty as in other similar cases with public land.

Sources who saw the presentation made to the government told this newsroom that the project will include an indoor pool but it will also entail the building of a small hotel and a number of apartments. The argument fielded by the developers is that the sports centre alone will not generate enough cash to keep it going. In fact, the Tal-Qroqq national pool has been running at a loss for many years, particularly due to the mounting costs to keep the pool heated.

But what raised several questions in the business community in Gozo is the alleged proposal to build a block of apartments within the same complex. It is not clear whether these will be put up for sale or for rent to tenants using the pool which according to the brief will enhance sports tourism in Gozo.

The Gozo Ministry would not reveal any of these details in reply to our questions and simply said that, “this project, which will be based upon highest international standards, has been welcomed by all stakeholders and is being delivered through wide consultation with all sport organizations including Otters Aquatics Club, local water polo and swimming experts, technical consultants, and the general public.”

Asked if it is true that the contractor will also be receiving a total of €1.3 million in public funds for the use of the aquatic centre by public entities the ministry said that, “while operating on a commercial basis as is the case with Tal-Qroqq National Swimming Pool and other sports facilities, the ministry will have at its disposal free hours of public use for educational and medical reasons both in the main pool and the therapeutic pool which this project will include.”

Pressed to learn the real gains for the Gozitan community in this deal the ministry said that, “a natatorium complex in Gozo has been promised for 30 years, but never implemented. This government is once again determined to deliver and provide this new opportunity for our students and sport players while attracting a successful niche through sports tourism.”

The ministry also failed to specify the estimated total cost of the project.

this project, which will be based upon highest international standards, has been welcomed by all stakeholders and is being delivered through wide consultation with all sport organizations