Country’s public conveniences to be given ‘a facelift’, use may be against a fee

The launch of an expression of interest is in the pipeline for a public-private partnership that to give the country’s public conveniences “a facelift”, Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis informed parliament.

The majority of the parliamentary question time this evening revolved around the country’s public toilets and their condition. According to the minister, the plan is to include the private, along with local councils and public entities, to improve the service and the state of public conveniences.

Some local councils face financial difficulties in the upkeep of the toilets, with the minister reassuring that the inclusion of the private sector would not mean that the government is taking away what has been devoluted to the local councils.

A pilot project would be launched in the centre of Malta.

Independent MP Marlene Farrugia questioned why the government wanted to centralize the system when it could help the local councils who eventually

“The local councils will be part of a consortium that would in turn work with the private. It is a challenge to render this sector commercially viable all over the island. It is not excluded that the local councils will benefit from this system, unlike what Farrugia implied that the project would only serve to generate profit for the private sector,” Zammit said.

PN MP Censu Galea questioned whether the government preferred collaborating with the private, because it lacked trust in the capabilities of the local councils.

Minister Owen Bonnici, responsible from local councils along with parliamentary secretary reiterated Stefan Buontempo, reiterated that no one was taking anything away from the local councils but it was about how different parties can work together.

He went on to add that several local councils faced huge debts following PPPs entered into for road works.

“Let’s be honest and admit that we have toilets no one dares to enter into,” Bonnici said.

Asked for clarifications on his statement, Bonnici said that PPPs done by the previous administrations had indebted local councils, and said that it was all down to how PPPs are made. He implied that PPPs done by the current administration had helped local councils, whilst past PPPs had rendered local councils bankrupt. Specific reference was made to past contracts issued for road works.

Zammit Lewis said there were situations where public convenience was not acceptable.

“We are trying to create a framework which is still at its embryonic stage. There could be charging of the service although we could also have ancillary activities that would finance it,” the tourism minister added.