Government, Viset close to signing agreement

by Franco Aloisio

Viset consortium and the government are close to signing an agreement on the construction of a Lm10m cruise liner terminal, Environment Minister Francis Zammit Dimech , said yesterday.

Dr Zammit Dimech said the government negotiating team has already concluded its evaluation of the proposals made by the consortium for the development of the terminal in Valletta.

A package deal including the negotiated positions and proposals was sent to Viset for consideration this week. By the end of August, Viset is expected to give its reaction to the government's offer.

Dr Zammit Dimech said, in general, the government's position over the development of the cruise liner terminal is not negotiable. Discussions over the cruise liner terminal started a year ago when the Viset consortium was shortlisted and eventually chosen to develop the terminal.

The deal proposed by the government includes a draft of the contract with Viset, details of the project's footprint, and a draft licence issued by the Malta Maritime Authority for the operation of a cruise liner and ferry terminal at Pinto Wharf.

Dr Zammit Dimech said another pending issue is the set of conditions imposed on Viset by the Malta Maritime Authority's licence. This includes also the restoration of the historic buildings in the area around the cruise liner terminal such as the warehouses and stores at Pinto Wharf.

The contract between the government and Viset is expected to be signed in October, and work on site is scheduled to start later this year. However, prior to the signing of the contract, the agreement will have to be endorsed by the Cabinet of Ministers.

The contract will provide the Viset consortium with a 65-year lease of the property which will be developed for the project. The project will involve the construction of appropriate berthing quays for the cruise liners.

Moreover the road access to the terminal, related facilities and retail outlets in the port area will be upgraded.