The National Audit Office has said it was baffled how plans to limit the Dingli Interpretation Centre to having a vending machine on site ended up with a permit for a fully-fledged restaurant.
In a report on the centre, tabled on Monday night in parliament, the NAO said that the chair of the Planning Authority’s Development Control Commission said this was an “oversight”, whereas it regarded them as “weak work practices, including a broad lack of clarity as well as poor internal communication.
The NAO started its investigation after receiving a letter in January 2016 alleging collusion and insider information involving governmental officials, after a piece of public land in a Natura 2000 area was devolved to the Dingli local council to establish an Interpretation Centre – but ended up as a catering establishment: The Cliffs.
The main allegations implied that the mayor at that time had a personal interest and that there was misuse of EU funds in this venture. The letter also referred to shortcomings by governmental institutions involved in this project.
However, the investigation did not uncover or receive any evidence to support the allegations. It also ruled out allegations that the sub-leasee registered its company with the Malta Financial Services Authority just three days before the local council tender due to insider information – saying that there had been ample information available within the public domain.
However, it noted that the annual sub-lease and the devolution fee of Lm20 (€46.60) and Lm100 (€233) were not reflective of market prices.
This report may be accessed through the National Audit Office website or Facebook page