Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1495665
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 26 MARCH 2023 8 COMMERCIAL Construction: a license to demolish, excavate and build AS things stand in Malta at the moment, any person or company is legally allowed to undertake construction work particularly in demolition and excavation. This means that the construction industry is not as professional or produc- tive as it might otherwise be and it is therefore more than understandable that Malta, is at this very moment, going through a public consultation phase to introduce Licensing Regulations in the Construc- tion Industry. Since the launch of a public consultation on the 13 March 2023, there has been broad sup- port for a contractors' licensing system, both from consumers and the stakeholders within the industry itself. In order to transform Malta's construction industry, the gov- ernment, which is passionate about raising quality and stand- ards in the sector, has issued a challenge to the industry to dis- cuss and finalise a framework for a licensing system. The implementation of li- cencing regulations will bring about various advantages for operators and consumers in the sector. First and foremost, the new laws will impose a standard level of competence and insur- ance cover for employees and third parties as a requirement to obtain a license, effectively excluding unqualified opera- tors. The new legal framework will therefore create an envi- ronment that will attract pro- fessional operators by ensuring that their investment in regula- tory compliance is safeguarded. Focusing on professional oper- ators shall create higher quality products and services while im- proving working environments. The presentation of a license when contracting an operator shall be a must and shall pro- vide greater peace of mind for consumers as far as the expect- ed quality of the final product. The introduction of contractor licencing will create a level play- ing field where the main differ- entiator will be the investment of operators to improve their services and products. Obtaining and maintaining the license will become part of the basic day to day opera- tions of a contractor and shall encourage professional growth and upskilling, including tech- nical, regulatory knowledge and managerial abilities. In Malta's case, licencing can be viewed as an essential step- pingstone for the sector leading to greater levels of confidence in contractors and their prod- uct. All of the aforementioned elements shall as a result sig- nificantly boost the industry's image and reputation and will hopefully make it an attractive career option for the younger generations. If you are interested in partic- ipating in this public con- sultation, visit the Building and Construction Authority's website, www.bca.org.mt, where the draft Construction Indus- try Licensing Regulations are available. You can also send your com- ments and feedback by email to: consultation.construction@ gov.mt. CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING REGULATIONS Visit: https://bca.org.mt/licensing-of-contractors/