Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1518433
2 NEWS maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 3 APRIL 2024 2 NICOLE MEILAK nmeilak@mediatoday.com.mt THE council of the Chamber of Architects (Kamra tal-Peri- ti) is telling its members to not fill in two forms introduced by the Building and Construc- tion Authority (BCA) in recent days. The directive, published on 1 April, informs the chamber members that the two forms were not discussed and agreed upon by the Kamra tal-Periti. "Many of you will recall that the BCA forms were a major sticking point back in 2019, and the repeal of directives by the Kamra was in part con- ditional to its review of and agreement with such forms," the chamber said in its direc- tive. "Indeed, several circulars had been issued regarding the BCA forms at the time." "As a result of the BCA's fail- ure to consult with the Kamra tal-Periti on the two aforemen- tioned forms, the Council is hereby directing all members of the profession not to file them." The documentation requires architects and contractors to inform the Building Control Authority (BCA) about the neighboring properties im- pacted by construction or ex- cavation activities and to dis- close the insurance coverage for the ongoing work. BCA 'open to clarification' In a statement on Tuesday, the BCA acknowledged the chamber's directives and said it is committed to fostering di- alogue with all stakeholders in the sector. "However, it was unexpected that on the same day of an im- portant meeting aimed at en- hancing dialogue and discuss- ing the recommendations of the Sofia inquiry, the Chamber of Architects issued the afore- mentioned directive, despite not being able to attend the meeting." "While the Authority remains open to providing clarification on its initiatives, it emphasizes that the measures introduced aim to enhance the protec- tion of third parties affected by construction projects and streamline the insurance pro- cess by introducing a 'Certifi- cate of Insurance' as a concise summary of lengthy insurance policy documents." Red tape 'disproportional' – Chamber president Andre Pizzuto, president of the chamber, told MaltaToday that the BCA is increasing bu- reacratic measures in the sec- tor as a knee-jerk reaction to the Sofia inquiry. "There's no proportionality, no balance," Pizzuto said of the measures being introduced. He remarked that the in- creased red tape is causing a standstill in small projects that involve alterations. "If you want to open a door, or build a wall to split a room, you will have to wait a months, and be burdened with administrative costs that far exceed the cost of the actual alterations. It's taking so long now that some people just give up on their projects. Others are just going ahead with works without a permit and then engaging ar- chitects to sanction. This bu- reaucracy is making construc- tion more, not less, unsafe. It is the exact opposite of what the Sofia public inquiry recom- mendations intended." Chamber tells architects not to fill in new BCA forms Kamra tal-Periti president says increasing bureaucracy is 'disproportional' Kamra tal-Periti President Andre Pizzuto ''Ana Maria Daza Borrego, Director of AMD Consulting Ltd- C89599, declares her intention for the company to register for the renewal of an Employment Agency license for Recruitment Agency and register for Temping and Outsourcing Agency in accordance to L.N. 270 of 2023 article 23 Employment Agencies Regulations, 2023. The activities proposed to be carried out are the following: 1. Recruitment Consultancy; 2. Providing outsourcing and temping services to local entities; 3. Interviewing, selection and placements of candidates in employment; 4. Recruitment of persons from abroad to employment in Malta or in an EU member state; 5. Recruitment of persons in Malta for employment in Malta or in an EU member state; 6. Advertising of the filling of vacancies; 7. Keeping a register of applicants for employment. Our commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and compliance with all relevant regulations remains unwavering. Official Registered Office: 68, St Mary, Triq il- Habbiez Qormi Trading address: The Fort Business Centre, Level 3, Hardrocks Business Park, Burmarrad Road, Naxxar'' THE Malta Hotels and Restau- rants Association (MHRA) has paid homage to the profound impact Air Malta had on Malta's tourism industry and broader economy. Since its inception, AirMalta has been a cornerstone of economic growth and social progress, facil- itating vital connectivity for the island nation, the MHRA said in a statement. Tony Zahra, President of MHRA, reflected on AirMalta's journey, expressing both pride and regret. "MHRA has been privileged to witness AirMalta's pivotal role in shaping Malta's economic and so- cial landscape," he said. "However, it saddens us that AirMalta, once cherished as a national asset, was at times ex- ploited for short-term gain, ulti- mately leading to its unfortunate closure." Despite the challenges faced in closing down AirMalta, Zahra commended all those involved in the transition for orchestrating a seamless transition to KM Malta Airlines. "The birth of KM Malta Airlines marks a new chapter in Malta's aviation history," he said. "MHRA extends its gratitude to everyone involved for navigating the com- plex transition process with com- mendable professionalism." Looking ahead, Zahra empha- sized MHRA's steadfast support for Malta's new national carrier. "As we embrace the future with KM Malta Airlines, MHRA re- affirms its commitment to safe- guarding our national airline," he said. "While other airlines play a vital role in our tourism sector, the national airline remains our lifeline, ensuring connectivity and resilience in the face of econom- ic uncertainties and challenges, as exemplified during the COV- ID-19 pandemic." MHRA said it looks forward to collaborating closely with KM Malta Airlines and stakeholders to ensure its continued success and contribution to Malta's prosperity. MHRA acknowledges AirMalta's legacy, welcomes launch of KM Malta Airlines Tony Zahra