Kamra tal-Periti sends letter to minister to clarify new regulations

Maltese architects’ association Kamra tal-Periti has sent a letter to Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg related to new regulations regarding Avoidance of Damage to Third Party Property the Maltese government announced yesterday, coming into force today, according to a press statement the Kamra sent Business Malta

“The Kamra tal-Periti has not been provided with a copy of said regulations, and the only information we have so far is the following: (a) The Ministerial Statement by the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects which one can find here; and (b) The Ministerial Statement read in Parliament by the Minister, together with the subsequent questions and answers, which one can follow here (minute 32.20 onwards),” the press statement says.

The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti says that “there is a lack of clarity between the principles made in the statement and certain statements made in Parliament,” while also notes that in the absence of having a copy of the Legal Notice in hand, “it is premature for the council to comment further at this stage,” according to the press statement sent to BM.

The Kamra sent a letter to the minister, asking to clarify a number of points. At the same time, the Kamra also asked for a meeting prior to the publication of the legal notice.

“Periti [Maltese word for architects] have been requested to inform their clients that the Legal Notice is expected to come into force today and that any obligations arising therefrom will be applicable to any ongoing demolition, excavation and construction works as per Ministerial Statement,” the press release adds.

After the walls of three buildings collapsed in the past two months in Malta near construction sites, forcing the government to temporarily halt demolition and excavation works, the Kamra called for an extraordinary general meeting. Prior to the EGM the Kamra published its preliminary position, and after the EGM the Kamra pledged commitment to improving the public safety of citizens and urged the government to enter discussions with the association. The Kamra also welcomed the recent listing of licensed masons published on the website of the Building Regulation Office (BRO).