The Malta Developers Association had a cordial meeting with the Prime Minister Robert Abela and other Ministers, namely, Hon. Miriam Dalli, Hon. Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Hon. Silvio Schembri and Hon. Aaron Farrugia.
The MDA’s president, Michael Stivala, stated that “the Association has been the catalyst for economic growth during the pandemic, and unlike other industries which most of them benefitted from long wage benefits we never asked for any direct assistance but played a key role in sustaining the economy.”
Stivala expressed that this commitment would be futile if not backed by the political commitment from the government to reduce the extra bureaucracy that is consistently, diminishing Maltese and Gozitan entrepreneurs. Unbridled bureaucracy that just prolongs processes which is not enjoyed by anyone, and which at the end of the day, it is only the consumer who will have to make up for it.
The authorities need to better understand the difficulties that the industry is facing and that by adding more regulations they are not solving more problems. Unfortunately, many see the industry as a milking cow and impose only the extra costs that are being paid every day for no additional value. The LESA and the BCA are a clear example of where such red tape stands out.
The Prime Minister expressed his understanding and agreed that this is a concern that the government is willing and promised to tackle.
With related Ministers present for the meeting, Michael Stivala also addressed some environmental issues in which he expressed his disappointment in how certain areas are left in neglect, especially in the countryside, where not even the basic weed and logs from the rubble walls are being cleaned and removed. Stivala continued that there are still have chaotic roads, with uncontrolled random parking sides even on narrow roads. All this puts stress on the residents, who then shift all the blame on a mere concrete crane trying to carry out works but prevented from starting before 9.30/10 in the morning!
Stivala emphasized that when we talk about the environment, we need to look at the big picture and not just object and criticize private development based on envy and selfishness.
Whilst congratulating the Prime Minister on the result achieved in the election, the MDA’s President concluded that the people have shown trust in this Government with a strong mandate in favour of progress. It is time that certain decisions need to be taken, even if they may seem to be drastic ones and not the most popular, but this is the only way to keep the desired economic stability.