Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1117384
16.05.19 10 INTERVIEW Representing developers: Sandro Chetcuti founded and runs the Malta Developers' Association. Business Today met him to ask about the state of the construction industry in Malta, the threat posed by 'cowboy developers' and the MDA's concerns for the industry should prime minister Joseph Muscat step downv PAUL COCKS What motivated you to get into the development industry? 10 years ago I was already giving my input to another union, working on a section dedicated to the real-estate and property industry. It was there that some members encouraged me to set up an association specifically dedicated to the property market. With the help of Architect Michael Falzon who had set up the Planning Authority in Malta, we set up the MDA and filled a lacuna in the country. ere was immediate interest from the largest entrepreneurs in Malta and we continued to grow throughout the years. Has the MDA been successful in fulfilling its core role? We didn't do any miracles however, we are now able to successfully voice the concerns of related parties when meet- ing the authorities. In addition, we are an efficient point of reference. One has to note that this industry includes different players such as architects, notaries, lawyers, re- al-estate agencies, engineers, builders, contractors and nowadays, foreigners. erefore you have a lot of different and converging opinions which need to be addressed. Moreover, we are tackling hands-on the issues that emerge while also antic- ipating the controversial issues which could be huge talking points in the fu- ture or that might cause controversies and uncertainties in the country. We are dedicating huge effort towards ensuring compliance to regulations and importing foreign modus operandi that will bolster efficiency in our local indus- try. How do you respond to criticism that always defends the interest of developers, but does so while running roughshod over the concerns of NGOs and residents? Perception is not everything. As pres- ident of the MDA, I can assure you that at this moment in time construction is not limited to a handful of industry es- tablished contractors within the MDA. Many homeowners today act as devel- opers themselves. us we can't be held responsible for every bit of unwavering criticism. Everyone can be a key player nowa- days. And this trend is becoming more apparent day on day. Are you pleased with the current state of the property market? More than it being a question of sat- isfaction, we feel responsible to secure a level playing field, ensure stability and apply pressure to amend any proposed development fallacies. Each era has its own opportunities. For instance during and immediate- ly after the Second World War there were a lot of businessmen who made their bones since their business acumen helped them acknowledge the potential at hand. Business moguls aside, are you at all concerned at increasing reports of young couples no longer being able to afford their first property due to rising cost of property? is has always existed, even my par- ents found it difficult. Investing in your first property has always been the big- gest step of all. On the other hand, I would like to see more responsibility from today's youths who hold different lifestyle expecta- tions. You need to make sacrifices, you can't go on living as you were before thinking of making such an investment as buying property. At the same time, we're continuously discussing and working on ideas related to affordable housing. is is different from social housing, and is very important to the industry. But, whatever the case, we should be very proud that over 80% of the popula- tion are property owners. But do you think it's more difficult now than ever to own a property? It was always in our culture to invest in property, it's a form of security to us and to our families after we move on to Investing in your first property has always been the biggest step of all. On the other hand, I would like to see more responsibility from today's youths who hold different lifestyle expectations