Letters | Sunday, 14 March 2010

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Transport Malta refutes allegations on Ta Xbiex marina

Reference is made to the front-page story in MaltaToday of 21 February 2010 under the heading ‘Transport Chief Wins Manoel Island Yard’. Transport Malta refutes MaltaToday’s unfounded allegations, that MIDI plc “was already earmarked by the Maritime Authority as the developer of a new marina at Ta’ Xbiex.”
During April of last year, the Malta Maritime Authority (MMA) launched a consultative document ‘Development of Yachting Facilities in Malta’, whereby it highlighted the opportunity to expand the existing marina at Ta’ Xbiex (Gzira Gardens) provided the area is protected by a breakwater which is to be developed off Manoel Island, as contemplated in the outline development permit issued by MEPA in favour of MIDI plc. The document highlights that once the breakwater is developed an additional 100 berths can be accommodated at the Ta’ Xbiex (Gzira Gardens) marina. The consultation feedback report published by the MMA during July 2009 (attached) clearly states that “Once the development of the breakwater is completed, the Authority will issue a RFP for the privatisation of the Ta’ Xbiex (Gzira Gardens) marina.”
Transport Malta confirms that the Authority’s website contains links to the websites of a number of private operators, for the benefit of port users.

Charles Axisa
Marketing & Communications Manager
Transport Malta

Editorial Note:
MaltaToday’s front-page story was an accurate snapshot of present and future developments in the marina industry. Transport Malta chairman Mark Portelli has a private interest in the Manoel Island Yacht Yard with other shareholders, including Midi plc. As stated in their report, the timing of Midi plc’s completion of its breakwater will determine the issuance of the RfP for the privatisation of the Ta’ Xbiex marina. Midi plc is also developing a 400-berth yacht marina as part of Manoel Island’s re-development – a marina which will be facing the Ta’ Xbiex (Gzira Gardens) marina. Will Transport Malta’s chairman offer any assurances of how he can avoid conflicts of interest that will arise from his position of being, on one part the head of a regulator that determines public policy in this industry; and on the other, in a direct business relationship with players whose interests coincide with the upcoming development of marinas in the Marsamxett area?

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