At a press conference at the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) premises, the Minister for Justice and Construction Sector Reform, Jonathan Attard, announced an agreement that will bring together key stakeholders in the construction sector to work together on the implementation of a National Building and Construction Code.
“This newly signed agreement highlights a collective commitment to develop and implement this code in clear terms, where the immediate priority will be the regulations concerning structures, safety, and fire prevention,” said Minister Attard while praising the strong dialogue that exists between the Government, the authorities and the stakeholders in the sector.
While referring to the fact that this sector has been left vulnerable to many challenges for a long time, he mentioned that unfortunately you have had accidents that have left a great impact on our society and the way we look at the construction sector. Here Minister Attard mentioned among others the tragic death of Miriam Pace, which occurred at this time 5 years ago and also the inquiry linked to the death of Jean Paul Sofia, which recommended this step being taken by the code.
In agreement with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the Chamber of Architects (KTP) will be the main partner in drafting the Building and Construction Code. In an intervention made by the President of the Chamber of Architects, Architect Andrè Pizzuto, he said that he is satisfied that the KTP will be an integral part of this process that will give a new direction to the construction industry in our country.
Architect Pizzuto also thanked the Ministry for Justice and Construction Sector Reform for the constructive and positive relationship with the Chamber of Architects, which through continuous meetings and discussions, not only made the difference so that the recommendations of the public inquiry are implemented in the shortest possible time, but also without blind haste that can lead to mistakes.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has also signed agreements with the Builders and Contractors Association (ABK), the Malta Excavation, Demolition and Recycling Association (MEDRA), the Malta Developers’ Association (MDA), the Chamber of Engineers (COE), the Planning Authority (PA), the Malta College of Arts, Sciences and Technology (MCAST), the University of Malta (UoM), the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA), and the Civil Protection Department (CPD).
These agreements aim to enable both the BCA and the KTP to consult directly with all entities so that they too can participate in the discussions to draft the National Building and Construction Code.
The Chief Executive of the Building and Construction Authority, Architect Roderick Bonnici, said that according to the act establishing the BCA, the same Authority has the obligation to establish these codes. He explained that the Building Codes will be reflecting what the final product, i.e. the building, should be like once construction is complete. He went on to explain that on the other hand the Construction Codes will be reflecting the process to get to the final product, i.e. the finished building.
“The National Building and Construction Codes will be complementing the much work that has been done by the BCA in recent years, in particular the licensing of builders and contractors. The first licenses are now expected to start operating according to these codes so that the construction sector in our country can truly move forward and become more professional and serious in line with the European one,” concluded Architect Roderick Bonnici.
The agreements, which will bind the parties for 3 years, will see the gradual entry into force of 17 building codes and 6 construction codes. .
