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Transport Malta’s Controversial RHIB Tender

Transport Malta's Controversial RHIB Tender
by
July 5, 2023
in Business News
229

In a recent development, the Opposition has demanded an independent internal investigation into Transport Malta’s tender for the purchase of five rigged-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs). The call comes after an investigative report by The Shift shed light on serious issues with the vessels. Ivan Castillo, the Opposition’s spokesperson for Maritime Affairs, expressed concerns over the selection process of the winning supplier, as well as the continued use of the boats despite known problems.

Transport Malta, the agency responsible for maritime enforcement, had purchased the five RHIBs for its operational needs. However, The Shift’s report revealed that one of the boats has already been declared unseaworthy, while the remaining four have developed significant structural problems. This raises questions about the agency’s decision to keep using the vessels for enforcement patrols despite technical reports indicating their compromised condition.

Transport Malta enforcement officers, speaking anonymously to The Shift, disclosed that both Minister Aaron Farrugia and Transport Malta CEO Jonathan Borg were made aware of the issues long ago. Yet, no action was taken to address the problems. Furthermore, it was revealed that some of the RHIBs operated for months with expired licenses and registration, a serious violation of safety standards.

The Nationalist Party has accused Transport Malta of forcing workers to use these unregistered, unlicensed, and unseaworthy vessels, even after their concerns were brought to the attention of officials following a damning surveyor’s report. The purchase of the RHIBs took place under the watch of former Transport Minister Ian Borg in July 2021. The Shift’s investigation uncovered that the boats were sourced from an importer in Rabat, Borg’s electoral district, and required costly refitting to meet Transport Malta’s standards.

Opposition spokesperson Ivan Castillo stated that the RHIBs were intentionally kept in operation despite the identified problems. This tactic was allegedly employed to increase the boats’ operational hours at sea, making it difficult to revoke the tender as per the contract’s specifications. Castillo condemned the government’s lack of responsibility and emphasized the potential risks to both maritime enforcement officers and the general public.

To address these concerns, the Opposition is calling for an independent internal investigation into the tender process. Additionally, the National Audit Office is conducting its own inquiry into the matter. The Shift’s report highlighted a surveyor’s findings, indicating major structural damage to one of the RHIBs, rendering it unfit for use. Similar damages were also noted on another vessel, with warnings that continued operation could lead to further deterioration.

Independent politician Arnold Cassola has recently raised the issue, drawing attention to the boats’ compliance with tender specifications. The Opposition aims to ensure that all boats meet the necessary requirements before they are paid for and deployed at sea. Failure to comply will result in appropriate action being taken, in accordance with the tender’s conditions.

Conclusion

The Opposition’s demand for an independent investigation into Transport Malta’s controversial RHIB tender highlights serious concerns regarding the selection process and the agency’s response to the identified issues. The Shift’s report and the surveyor’s findings underscore the compromised state of the vessels, posing risks to the lives of maritime enforcement officers and the public at large. The Nationalist Party is committed to ensuring compliance and accountability, safeguarding the responsible use of public funds.

FAQs

Can you provide more details about the independent internal investigation being called for by the Opposition?

The Opposition is demanding an independent internal investigation to determine the number of times the €500,000 tender was issued before selecting the winning supplier. It also aims to investigate why the problematic vessels remained in use despite known issues and why they continue to be used.

What were the specific problems found with the RHIBs as reported by The Shift?

According to The Shift’s report, one of the RHIBs has been declared unseaworthy and needs to be scrapped, while the other four have developed serious structural problems.

Were Minister Aaron Farrugia and Transport Malta CEO Jonathan Borg aware of the issues with the RHIBs?

Yes, Transport Malta enforcement officers informed both Minister Aaron Farrugia and CEO Jonathan Borg about the problems with the RHIBs a long time ago.

Why did Transport Malta continue using the RHIBs despite the identified problems?

It has been alleged that the RHIBs were kept in operation to increase their operational hours at sea, making it difficult to revoke the tender as per the contract’s specifications.

Who was responsible for the purchase of the RHIBs?

The purchase of the RHIBs took place under the tenure of former Transport Minister Ian Borg in July 2021.

What actions did the Nationalist Party accuse Transport Malta of taking regarding the RHIBs?

The Nationalist Party accused Transport Malta of forcing workers to continue using the unregistered, unlicensed, and unseaworthy vessels despite their concerns.

What additional information was provided by The Shift regarding the supplier of the RHIBs?

The Shift reported that the RHIBs were supplied by an importer from Rabat, which is the electoral district of former Minister Ian Borg. The boats required refitting to meet Transport Malta’s standards, leading to an increase in their price.

Is there an ongoing investigation into the matter besides the Opposition’s call for an independent investigation?

Yes, the National Audit Office is also conducting its own investigation into the controversial RHIB tender.

What did the surveyor’s report reveal about the state of the RHIBs?

The surveyor’s report highlighted major structural damage to one of the RHIBs, rendering it unfit for use. Similar damages were noted on another vessel, with warnings that continued operation could lead to further deterioration.

Who recently highlighted the issue regarding the RHIBs?

Independent politician Arnold Cassola recently drew attention to the issue, raising concerns about compliance with the tender specifications.

What is the Opposition’s stance regarding the compliance of the RHIBs with the tender specifications?

The Opposition aims to ensure that all the RHIBs comply with the necessary specifications before they are paid for and deployed at sea.

What actions will be taken if the RHIBs are found to be non-compliant with the tender specifications?

If the RHIBs are found to be non-compliant, all necessary action will be taken according to the conditions outlined in the tender.

What is the primary concern of the Opposition regarding the RHIBs’ use?

The Opposition is primarily concerned about the endangerment of maritime enforcement officers’ lives and the potential danger to the general public due to the use of compromised vessels.

How did Transport Malta respond to the allegations made by the Opposition and The Shift’s report?

Transport Malta has not yet provided a public response to the allegations and the report.

Is there any indication of financial irregularities in the RHIB tender process?

No specific mention of financial irregularities has been made regarding the RHIB tender process thus far.

Have there been any safety incidents related to the RHIBs’ usage?

There is no information available about specific safety incidents related to the usage of the RHIBs at this time.

What measures have been taken by Transport Malta to address the identified problems?

Transport Malta has not taken any visible measures to address the identified problems with the RHIBs as reported.

Are there any other entities or authorities involved in overseeing the situation?

The National Audit Office’s ongoing investigation adds an additional layer of oversight to the situation.

What are the potential consequences for Transport Malta if the allegations are substantiated?

If the allegations are substantiated, Transport Malta may face accountability and potential repercussions for their actions and decisions regarding the RHIBs.

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