Briguglio welcomes police investigation over fuel commissions

Alternattiva Demokratika chairperson Michael Briguglio has welcomed the Police investigation initiated after a MaltaToday report revealed how Frank Sammut, former chief executive of the MOBC, is suspected of having received commissions from commodities group Trafigura for the sale of low sulphur oil to state utility Enemalta.

However, Briguglio said that the police force shouldn't have waited for the authorization of the Prime Minister to kick-start its investigation.

"It should have come out of the Police's own initiative to start investigating as soon as MaltaToday published its report and not wait for the PM's command to act," Briguglio said.

Addressing the press this morning, AD also called for an overhaul of the building industry.

AD's spokesperson Carmel Cacopardo said that sustainable use of land means that a piece of land is used properly with due attention to its environmental, social and economic impacts. He said that over 70,000 residential units are vacant and approximately 2,500 families were regstered with the Housing Authority.

"AD welcomed government's decision to cancel plans for the construction of more residential units and instead chose to tap the private sector by encouraging the renting out of property," he said.

He accused the PN administration of ignoring a 2005 census that revealed 

the existence of over 53,000 vacant properties.

"Through the so-called rationalisation exercise, land considered suitable for development was increased substantially all over Malta," Cacopardo said.

"The permissible heights for development were increased, as a consequence throwing to the wind investments in solar energy technology made by various families who next to their property higher buildings were constructed, their photovoltaic panels were now almost permanently in the shade."

Cacopardo called for the reversal of the rationalisation exercise. "We urge government to shift the limits of permissible development and wherever possible to reduce building heights and restrict the construction of penthouses."

AD secretary general Ralph Cassar said time is ripe for the restructuring of the building industry.

"This industry should be assisted in reducing its construction role and instead shifting its attention to restoration of old buildings, road works and the improvement of coastal and marine infrastructure. This requires substantial investments in the training of personnel," he said.

On empty buildings, AD said speculators should be targeted by taxing properties from the third one onwards.

"This will target those keeping building empty for speculative purposes. It will also push developers into ensuring that their developments are really needed before they embark on projects," Cassar said.

"This measure can also boost the rental market."