Labour challenges the government on Smart City

The Labour Party spokesperson for communications and ICT, Michael Farrugia challenged Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and communications minister Austin Gatt to take a stand on the thousands of jobs which had to be created at Smart City but have so far failed to materialize.

During a press conference held in reaction to an event held yesterday by Gatt to highlight the ministry's achievements during the last four years, Farrugia said that Smart City was a project launched by GonziPN prior to the last election promising to create thousands of jobs and as a result the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was expected to grow. He noted that only 1% of the promised jobs have been created so far.  

"A report was drawn up on the jobs that were expected to be created year by year at Smart City and on the increase in the GDP. However the Prime Minister and the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications are not answering questions about jobs," Farrugia said.

Farrugia said that while he is happy to see companies setting up office at Smart City, he expressed his hope that the companies mentioned by Minister Austin Gatt will create the jobs that are promised.

He also criticised the government for failing to introduce Windows 7 at Government departments even though the system has been procured as well as for failing to implement the e-learning platform.

"This sector is a very important one and hopefully it will not end up like other sectors did were many plans are announced but very few are completed," Farrugi said.

Labour spokesperson for transport Joe Sammut who also addressed the press conference described public transport as "a certificate of failure" for the transport ministry.

Sammut said while the subsidies paid by the government to Arriva have gone up to €6.4 million, the IT system is still not functioning well, old buses are still in service and waiting times are still too long.

Sammut also underlined the numerous cases of alleged corruption that marred the Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications during the last year.