The Minister for Justice and Construction Sector Reform Jonathan Attard launched the Malta Property Show – a ten-day Expo organized in collaboration between the Malta Developers Association and Check Your Traders.
In his introduction Minister Attard said that this event continues to confirm the resilience, strength and potential of the real estate market. This while serving as an opportunity to promote practices that give priority to innovation, functionality and sustainability. Minister Attard spoke on the social importance of the property market and the construction sector and how these areas are interconnected with the rest of the economy.
“I believe that everyone recognizes that the real estate market and construction are two sectors interconnected with various fields and other aspects including the social aspect and the quality of life,” continued Minister Attard.
He recalled the Government’s commitment that it will not only continue to be a shoulder for all those who in one way or another touch these sectors including with incentives and schemes that are increasing all the time, but also with important legislative decisions. Here he referred to the bill that last Monday was approved in the second reading stage and that will lead to the establishment of a Property Market Agency whose ultimate goal is to offer peace of mind that our country has licensed persons who can give value to the transaction process. In the coming days Minister Attard will be approaching the highest institution of the country with the second stage of parliamentary discussion and in the Committee with the new Act on Health and Safety on the ground of the work.
Twenty years after the entry into force of this Act, it was necessary to carry out a reform so that our country would be in a position to face in a more effective way the challenges of today and the future. Minister Attard also spoke about the ongoing work to continue updating the regulations related to the granting of builders’ and contractors’ licenses to continue the process related to the issuance of the respective licenses, with the intention a clear one that continues to raise the standard in the sector. The Minister recognized the commitment of the Authority for Health and Safety at the Workplace and that of Building and Construction (BCA) to above all strengthen the collaboration between them with the aim of increasing the -efficiency among others in protecting the safety of workers and third parties who may be affected by construction works.
“The Government is committed to supporting and facilitating sustainable development in these industries, and ensuring that we continue to attract investment, create jobs, and contribute economically. Everyone needs to be open to changes and reforms that build on the success achieved, embrace new technologies and promote the highest standards of quality and sustainability,” concluded Minister Attard.
Also addressing those present were the Secretary General of the Traders section within the Maltese Development Authority (MDA) Claire Psaila Costantino, the Acting Chief Executive of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Roderick Bonnici and the Senior Manager within the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) Romina Rieck Zahra.
Photo: MJR
