Image Source : Manuel Delia
Nationalist Party MP Jason Azzopardi has made a third request for an investigation into the actions of former Finance Minister Edward Scicluna’s permanent secretary, Alfred Camilleri. This time, Azzopardi’s request centers around a €17 million swimming pool project in Gozo, which has raised suspicions due to its significant cost overrun. The Olympic-sized pool, which was initially budgeted at €9 million, ended up costing a staggering €17 million, with Azzopardi questioning how such a massive overrun could occur without proper oversight.
Azzopardi’s concerns are not unfounded, given the history of questionable dealings and lack of transparency in government projects. The lawyer-turned-MP has been vocal in his criticism of the government’s handling of public funds and has repeatedly called for investigations into various projects and contracts. In this case, the sheer scale of the cost overrun has prompted Azzopardi to request a probe into Camilleri’s role in the project, citing potential mismanagement and abuse of power.
The request for an investigation is likely to add to the growing scrutiny of government spending and procurement practices. The fact that a project of this nature could go so drastically over budget without being properly accounted for raises serious questions about the government’s ability to manage public funds effectively. Azzopardi’s persistence in pushing for transparency and accountability is a welcome development, and it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to his latest request for a probe.
