Malta Drydocks Task Force

In view of the interest shown in the Press about the activities of the Malta Drydocks Task Force, it is felt that the general public would like to be made aware of the steps being taken.

The Task Force is made up of representatives of the Government, the Malta Drydocks Council, the Malta Drydocks Management and the relevant three sections of the G.W.U. namely, Metal Workers Section, the Supervisory, Technical and Professional Staff Association (S.T.P.S.A) and the Professional and Senior Staff Association (P.S.S.A).

The individuals are:-

1. Dr. George Abela and Prof. Noel Zarb Adami representing Government;
2. Mr Sammy Meilaq and Mr Alfred Micallef representing the Council;
3. Mr Spiro Aquilina and Mr Lawrence Bilocca representing the Management;
4. Mr Anthony Coleiro, Mr Joseph Sapiano, Mr Charles Cassar, and Mr Vincent Micallef representing the G.W.U.

Dr George Abela is the Chairman and Prof. Noel Zarb Adami is the Co-Chairman, whilst Mr Mario Cacciattolo, from the Office of the Hon. Prime Minister is the Secretary.

The Task Force has met on seven occasions since the date of its appointment.

In accordance with the agreement reached between the parties concerned as publicised in the Press Release of the 25th November 1996, Dr. Godfrey Baldacchino has been appointed to carry out a critical review of the management structure of the Malta Drydocks. This report has just been finalized and will be published within the next few days.

The financial aspects are being studied on a short-term and medium-term basis. The short-term aspects are to be clarified by the end of February and management accounts up to the end of December 1996, are to be presented by the end of March. The accountancy firm M.S.D. Consulting Ltd. have been appointed to carry out the short-term study to take stock of the situation and present cash-flow requirements. This will be immediately followed by medium- term studies and recommendations.

An invitation to submit an offer to carry out consultancy services for the improvement of efficiency at the Malta Drydocks has been sent to thirteen different companies from the United Kingdom, Germany and Denmark. These are to submit their offers by the 15th January 1997.

In the meantime, the Task Force is holding discussions with regard to apprenticeship schemes, co-ordination with Marsa Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., Council elections, and other related matters.

Further matters will be discussed and decisive action will be taken as soon as the above-mentioned studies are finalized.