Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1130632
19 LETTERS & EDITORIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 16 JUNE 2019 Mikiel Galea Politicians ultimately responsible for construction destruction FLIMKIEN għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) shares public outrage that dangerous construction works reported a month ago have resulted in yet another col- lapsing wall. The Prime Minister's announcement that all permits for demolition and excavation have been suspended and no works will be allowed until the new regulations come into force is too little, too late. FAA welcomes the move to require geological and geo-technical surveys for all excavation works, however, until immediate enforcement, suspension of permits, and punitive measures are made much more severe, the construc- tion industry will continue to under- mine residents' safety, health, and Malta's heritage. FAA also calls for the introduction of tests of concrete durability, as many residential buildings currently under construction will face major problems in 30 to 40 years due to defective con- crete, as highlighted in 2006 by the NGO Sustainable Built Environment Malta. The Prime Minister's words do not address the plight of residents who have lost their homes and suffered trauma through developers' callous abuse. How are residents compensated speedily for losing their homes sudden- ly and for the shock and inconvenience of being uprooted and left in limbo... for how long? FAA highlights the spiralling rate of injuries and even deaths on construc- tion sites, due to a complete lack of regulation of contractors, a complete lack of training of workers, includ- ing lack of communication skills, and confusion about the different roles and responsibilities on different construc- tion sites. In addition to excavation risk assess- ments, cranes, concrete mixers and trucks need to be certified periodi- cally, and the forgotten Environment Management of Construction Sites law needs to be enforced to ensure that neighbours' lives are no longer ruined by works at all hours, constant noise above 70 decibels, clouds of chocking dust and exhaust fumes, all undermin- ing residents' physical and mental health. Although the authorities are try- ing to shift the blame onto architects, our governments have ignored strong calls for the reform of building regula- tions since 2007, including from the Chamber of Architects. Politicians' reluctance to take steps against abuse has been blatant, leaving neighbours of construction sites living in fear, won- dering "Who's next?" In recent years this government has allowed developers to run rampage, en- couraged over-development and subsi- dising the MDA with NGO grants. In all this Malta's politicians have shown gross irresponsibility to only take action when three buildings col- lapse in two months – the fact is that ultimate responsibility lies with Malta's political class. Astrid Vella, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar Fourth ferry for Gozo THE Association of Gozitan Employees in Malta (AGEM) would like to con- gratulate the Ministry for Gozo and the Maltese Government on the employ- ment of a fourth ferry, allowing for an improved ferry timetable and increased flexibility in maintenance scheduling. AGEM would also like to remind Gozi- tan workers working in Malta that the application for the subsidy granted to Gozo residents working in Malta will be available between the 1st of July and 15th of August 2019; and entitle- ments will cover the six-month period between the 1st of January and the 30th of June 2019. As the 1st of July approaches, em- ployees will be receiving an additional email from MyGozo. An email with further information regarding the new application as well as a link to access the application elec- tronically. Sean Zammit, AGEM Letters & Clarifications