A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry for Public Works and Planning and the University of Malta to consolidate construction laws in Malta.
The signing of the agreement was presided by the Minister for Public Works and Planning Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi and the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation Clifton Grima.
This MoU will establish a collaborative effort between the Ministry for Public Works and Planning, and the Faculty of Laws of the University of Malta with the intention to work closely on matters relating to the regulation of the construction industry.
Students who are currently studying law at a Masters Level will be given the opportunity, under the supervision of their lecturers, to identify all the laws that are connected to the Building and Construction Authority and see if these laws are compatible with other existing general laws such as the Code of Police Laws, the Civil Code and the Criminal Code. Where a lack of compatibility is found, the Faculty of Laws will put forward suggestions on the changes that are necessary so that the laws are more reflective of today’s realities.
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that through this agreement they will not only be increasing the necessary legal knowledge in this sector, but it will also serve as an opportunity to prepare the legal professionals of tomorrow for the current realities of the construction industry. Whilst reiterating that the Government is determined to use every available resource to carry out its work, he said that today’s agreement will be beneficial for society in order to pave the way for a higher-quality construction industry.
Minister Clifton Grima spoke about the importance of having students, who are continuing their studies, engage in practice apart from academic knowledge. He said that through this agreement, more University students will not only obtain this practice, but through it they are making a valuable contribution to society. This will be done since these students will be involved in a project that is essential and important for our country, and it will also help them in their studies. Above all, a project that should lead to improving the country’s laws.
University of Malta Rector, Professor Alfred J Vella reiterated that through such collaboration, the University of Malta will be in a position to actively assist the Ministry in its mission related to the construction industry. He continued that they look forward to the outcome of this agreement and hope to have more useful collaborations of the sort in the future.
The agreement was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Public Works and Planning, Carlos Tabone, the University of Malta Rector, Professor Alfred J Vella and the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Ivan Mifsud.
