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25.2.2021 6 COMMERCIAL THE Building and Construction Agency (BCA) continues to work to- wards reforming the construction in- dustry in the Maltese islands. With the agency now only weeks away from becoming an Authority, a number of reforms are being made in the build- ing and construction sector. These were announced by Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning, Hon. Aaron Farrugia and Parliamentary Secretary for Con- struction, Hon. Chris Agius, during a visit to a construction site. A new freephone number has been set up for the public to report any ir- regularities during construction site works. The aim of this new number is to address the concerns of the public and ensure that everyone feels safe in his or her own home. If one is con- cerned about any irregularities, he or she may now call on 8004 9000 to request assistance. The BCA's efforts to regulate the industry have also been boosted with the recruitment of a number of new Building Inspec- tors over the past months. Seven new inspectors have recently joined the Agency, bringing the total up to ten. The BCA continues to work towards a sustainable construction industry in the Maltese islands. A key factor here is to focus on improving compliance and enforcement, and as such, the number of building inspectors is also expected to double by the end of this year. These Building Inspectors are tasked with regularly monitoring construc- tion sites as deemed necessary to ensure that they are in-line with ad- ministrative procedures, as well as current laws and regulations. They investigate all reports of alleged ir- regularities and ensure they follow-up in case any breach is detected. This is done by regularly visiting sites and recommending appropriate action, maintaining all case files and keeping the enforcement information system up-to-date. "During the past months, the Agen- cy worked to introduce new admin- istrative systems, including a system for licensing for builders, worked on amendments to laws, opened a Gozo branch and strengthened its pres- ence in all localities, and although our policy is to educate the sector, action still needed to be taken by the enforcement unit. In fact, during the past year, BCA issued 38 fines, sealed four construction sites, opened three complaints with the Police, and is- sued 48 enforcement notices. During the same year, 4077 inspections were performed in Malta, and 437 in Gozo, and processed 2,595 complaints" Par- liamentary Secretary, Hon. Chris Agi- us said. Condition Reports and Method Statement of contiguous properties are vital in such circumstances, as provided by the Avoidance of Damage to Third Party Property Regulations. The BCA ensures that anyone plan- ning on carrying out any construction works must present all necessary doc- umentation prior to commencement of works. It is important to note that owners of neighbouring property may object by submitting a report drawn up by an architect highlighting the relevant issues. A new pool of experts will now also be conducting checks on construction method statements. The BCA intends to receive expressions of interest for the provision of profes- sional services of periti to assess con- struction method statements covering demolition, excavation and construc- tion works submitted by architects re- sponsible for the projects. The BCA has also recently imple- mented a new system for the issuance of masons' licences and these are now in the process of being renewed after a number of years. Masons must always keep their licence with them on site, due to inspections that may be carried out at any time. A register of all valid licensed masons is available on www. bca.org.mt/masons-list. "In the coming weeks the govern- ment will be announcing further re- forms, schemes and measures hand- in-hand with all stakeholders in order to achieve the results we are after. This reform will modernise, safeguard and strengthen the industry while improv- ing quality of life and providing peace of mind to all families in Malta and Gozo," Minister, Hon. Farrugia said. The Building and Construction Agency (BCA) envisions a self-reg- ulating building and construction sector. The goal of such measures is to continue to provide peace of mind to families and ensure the industry is more secure and sustainable. "Our mission is to create stability and accountability in the building and construction sector that fosters a bet- ter environment for all" said Ivor Rob- inich, CEO of BCA. One may contact the BCA by send- ing an email on info@bca.org.mt. For more information, please visit www. bca.org.mt. BCA continues to work towards construction industry reform Scrutiny on method statements intensified, building and construction inspectors set to double, new freephone to report irregularities launched

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