Updated 8pm with NGO s reaction
The Malta Maritime Forum has hit out at complaints about oil rigs which have marred the Grand Harbour skyline for years, and accused the government of confusing the issue of abandoned vessels with laid-up ships.
On Wednesday, Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg said the rigs will be removed by the end of April, while the authorities will remove half-sunk vessels at the Marsa creek. His announcement came weeks after environment ombudsman Alan Saliba intervened in the issue, following complaints by residents and activists.
But in a reaction, the Malta Maritime Forum said the departure of two oil rigs from Malta had nothing to do with the clearing the wrecks from the harbour.