Prime Minister Robert Abela’s attempt to draw a line under the Ta’ Qali grass saga has suffered another blow, with a free independent assessment commissioned by Momentum directly contradicting the conclusions of the government’s paid expert. The assessment, carried out on site by an unnamed local specialist at Momentum’s request, concluded that the
Partit Momentum commissioned an independent inspection of the Ta’ Qali picnic area by a local expert. The on-site assessment included the excavation of several exploratory holes across the site. “The inspection revealed that the natural soil has been covered by two distinct layers of imported material. The upper layer consists of fine sand, beneath
The type of gravel used in Ta’ Qali’s picnic area is typically used in road construction and was “deliberately” laid in a way that suppresses natural grass growth, with nothing other than aggressive running bamboo able to grow through it, an expert inspection commissioned by Momentum has revealed. The party also raised questions about procurement practices
An inspection by Momentum of the gravel placed on the picnic area in Ta' Qali shows that the soil has been rendered unsuitable for natural vegetation. The area has been the subject of great controversy since September, when two contrasting photos were posted on the social media, one showing the park blanketed in grass, and another taken during the
Prime Minister Robert Abela’s ‘solution’ to the controversial grass debacle at Ta’ Qali appears to have materialised at record speed – just three days after a “grass expert” was hastily engaged on a short consultancy contract. According to information tabled in Parliament in response to questions from Opposition MP Rebekah Borg, the government appointed
Transport Minister Chris Bonett confirmed that landscaper Joe Schembri was engaged to provide expert advice on encouraging grass growth at the Ta’ Qali picnic area. Schembri, who has more than 20 years’ experience in “greening projects,” was contracted from 7th January to offer up to 180 hours of consultancy at a rate of €50 per hour, excluding VAT
The potential costs of hiring a landscape expert tasked with advising authorities on getting grass to grow at the Ta' Qali picnic area confirm a pattern of governance failures and a lack of accountability, Momentum has said. Yesterday, it emerged in Parliament that expert Joe Schembri had been contracted to provide up to 180 hours of advice on a rate