Konrad Mizzi insists wind farm project in Montenegro in ‘construction phase’
The wind farm project in the hills of Montenegro is ongoing and is currently in construction phase, no-portfolio Minister Konrad Mizzi claimed yesterday.
He was replying to questions by this newspaper after The Malta Independent on Sunday published a report which explains how the multi-million euro project, which Enemalta took over, is clouded in serious corruption allegations.
When asked to explain how, according to the press in Montenegro, works on the project had not kicked off by the end of last year, the Minister said that the project is in construction phase. He then explained the shareholding and how Enemalta entered the investment together with Shanghai Electric Power.
Referring to the corruption allegations, he said it was important to note that there were no allegations of corruption ever since Enemalta and the Maltese government joined in the venture.
Dr Mizzi addressed the media after presiding over the signing of a shareholding agreement signed between the Malta Developers Association and the Water Services Corporation which will pave the way for a joint venture on renewable energy.
The memorandum of understanding was at the Auberge de Castille as the two entities now officially launched the Malta Developers Green Energy Limited.
Speaking at the press conference, MDA President Sandro Chetcuti said that the government has supported the association every step of the way. “I can tell with proof, that this is a pro-business government,” he said while praising Konrad Mizzi for his contribution to the energy sector. Mr Chetcuti also praised Parliamentary Secretary Deborah Schembri for her commitment towards the development sector.
Minister Mizzi explained that the government has already imported 85 MW of renewable solar energy. He said this sector has advanced a lot in recent years with the government investing more than €33 million in the renewable energy sector.
The agreement is the first step towards a Public Private Partnership as proposed by the MDA. Fifty-one per cent of the shareholding will be owned by the Water Services Corporation and the remaining 49% by MDA.
It was only natural for journalists yesterday to ask Minister Mizzi regarding the secret companies in Panama on the first anniversary of the Panama Papers leak. When asked by the press to explain how he intended to deposit €1 million dollars in the account over a period of one year, the Minister replied that he had exhausted all questions on this matter.