Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1320058
8 INTERVIEW 17.12.2020 Stability and accountability at core of minister's vision for construction regulator What is the role of the BCA? The agency is responsible for creat- ing and implementing policies with the goal of fostering best practices in the building and construction indus- try. It is also tasked with reviewing laws and regulations and to present the minimum standards in the industry. Such regulations include those that safeguard third-parties, those that aim to foster good environmental practic- es and to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings, thus making them more energy efficient. What is your vision for the BCA? The BCA was set up to create a self-regulating building and construc- tion sector. The Ministry's goal is to put people's mind at rest, by creating stability and holding those that breach regulations accountable. Furthermore, we also aim to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, as per the Paris Agreement. This will eventually result in a better overall environment for all; including both the urban and rural environ- ment. How important do you think the role of the BCA is? An agency that regulates and over- looks the construction industry has always been very valuable to the coun- try. This is due to the potential dangers associated with such work and the possibly high negative impact on the public and surrounding areas. The BCA's regulatory framework starts as soon as a planning permission is granted and applies up until the con- struction is wholly finished. This long process may involve vari- ous dangers and adverse impacts, and therefore, in my opinion, the agency has a very important role to play in the country. Now that the Entities for Construction, Environment and Planning fall under the Ministry's portfolio, what kind of interaction do you foresee between these entities for the benefit of the common good? These entities should cooperate be- tween them, by sharing knowledge and information, as well as communi- cating empirical tools. The BCA should also be included as a Consultee for certain projects, Construction Method Statements submitted to the Planning Authority and requests for waivers of Building & Construction Regulations. Which set of regulations do you think need more enforcement? (environment, damage to third parties, etc). Even though they do not necessarily need more enforcement, the environ- mental management regulations must always be a top priority for our coun- try. This is especially due to the nuisance caused to the surrounding environ- ment, through noise and dust pollu- tion, and waste that development cre- ates. Other sets of regulations are obvi- ously also very important, includ- ing those that prevent damage to third-party properties; which foster peace of mind for neighbouring build- ings. What is the remit of the BCA when there is a breach in regulations? When regulations are breached, the agency may take action by issuing En- forcement Notices, sealing-off sites, imposing fees, initiating criminal proceedings and halting construction work if the site fails to conform to the stipulated regulations. For instance, in April the BCA sealed off a construction site in Gzira that was not compliant to various regula- tions. As happens in such cases; the BCA requested the Executive Police to car- ry out criminal proceedings against the developer, site manager and Periti in charge of the project. e Building & Construction Agency (BCA) was set up to create a more holistic approach to regulation and compliance in the building and construction industry. is was a well-needed change due to the rise in the number of construction sites around the Maltese Islands. BusinessToday spoke to Aaron Farrugia, Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning, to discover his views and ambitions for this agency The Ministry's goal is to put people's mind at rest, by creating stability and holding those that breach regulations accountable