Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1503087
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 JULY 2023 9 COMMERCIAL The licensing of contractors: another step forward in the right direction THE Building and Construc- tion Authorit y was established in 2021. This authorit y is re- sponsible for overseeing the construction process follow- ing the planning phase. Sev- eral regulations have already been introduced, and the au- thorit y has strengthened its setup to enforce rules more effectively. THE process through which the authorit y certifies meth- od statements is crucial, and contractors are legally obliged to follow the methods stated therein. IN line with the government's commitment to improving quality in the construction sector, the Ministry for Public Works and Planning, in col- laboration with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), initiated a public con- sultation on the Legal Notice providing a framework for the Licensing of Contractors. The consultation ended on April 21, 2023, following six weeks of public consultation. Dur- ing this period, the Building and Construction Authority met with all stakeholders and organized four consultation meetings. Since the end of this consultation period, the Authority evaluated the sug- gestions made and is in the process to ultimately publish a set of regulations that will help increase the seriousness and quality of the construc- tion sector. In fact, the Authority is cur- rently making all the necessary preparations to start receiving applications from interested parties to become licenced contractors. In the meantime, according to obligations aris- ing from directives of the Eu- ropean Union, The European Commission is in the process of evaluating the latest draft. The licensing of contractors aims to establish certification requirements for professionals in this field to elevate standards across the industry. Moreover, the workforce requires more training and awareness of the existing rules and regulations in order to comply with them. Furthermore, with the imple- mentation of this license, a distinction will be made be- tween contractors who are committed to work seriously and professionally and those who are not. This reform will ensure better regulation of the construction sector, improved quality, and stricter enforce- ment. Previously, the BCA had the power to issue a stop no- tice, but now it can suspend or revoke a license, thereby preventing contractors from working on any other site. This change, along with oth- er initiatives that have already been implemented, such as the requirement for insurance policies covering the interests of third parties, bank guaran- tees, and other necessary pre- requisites before and during the commencement of work on a project, will continue to enhance the sector. For more information, please visit www.bca.org.mt.