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	<title>kamra tal-periti | The Malta Business Weekly</title>
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		<title>Architects’ association applauds new agency</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/architects-association-applauds-new-agency/5075/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Christian Keszthelyi]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Aug 2019 08:43:40 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[architects]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=5075</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Kamra tal-Periti has applauded the establishment of a new Building and Construction Agency through the publication of Legal Notice 192 of 2019. The body will act as a precursor of the Building and Construction Authority that will be set up in the coming months.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/architects-association-applauds-new-agency/5075/">Architects’ association applauds new agency</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Maltese architects’ association Kamra tal-Periti has applauded the establishment of a new Building and Construction Agency through the publication of Legal Notice 192 of 2019. The body will act as a precursor of the Building and Construction Authority that will be set up in the coming months, according to a press statement sent to Business Malta.</strong></p>



<p>The Maltese government has shown commitment to establishing an authority to regulate the building and construction industry, which will be accompanied by the promulgation of new building and construction regulations in line with the Kamra’s proposals published last May. This is outlined in the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Letter of Commitment (opens in a new tab)" href="https://kamratalperiti.org/wp-content/uploads/MTIP_KTP_Commitment_Letter_2Aug2019_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Letter of Commitment</a> addressed to the Kamra tal-Periti last week.</p>



<p>The new agency is tasked with the design, implementation and dissemination of policies together with the consolidation and review of laws and regulations, in the form of a national building code, as well as with carrying out all the necessary preparations to set up the Building and Construction Authority.</p>



<p>“This is an important milestone in ensuring better regulation of the industry, and the Kamra tal-Periti looks forward to presenting its proposals outlined in <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="A Modern Building and Construction Framework for Malta to the Agency (opens in a new tab)" href="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/5bc7e5e7ee469c24a8ec71546/files/1968435d-9f44-4dea-81f7-b0d3c5fc986e/A_Modern_Building_Construction_Regulation_Framework_for_Malta_FINAL.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2s1tCjmOr7lQvLO6sdjLq0jGaDh7Z-LqrJs4poE8o36PIwFfJZXuS29gA" target="_blank">A Modern Building and Construction Framework for Malta to the Agency</a>, with a view towards implementing them in the near future,” the Kamra tal-Periti says.</p>



<h2>Consolidation ahead</h2>



<p>“We need to ensure that the building and construction industry is regulated uniformly and with a clear direction,” said Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg, according to a press statement by the government’s Department of Information (DOI). </p>



<p>“We started working last year when we published the white paper for the setting up of the Malta Construction and Building Authority (MCBA) and consulted with all interested parties. The setting up of this Agency was the next step before we finally set up the authority in the near future. We should also remember that a few weeks ago we carried out an important reform in the same industry, to continue working towards more safety, responsibility and transparency. I am now looking ahead to the setting up of the MCBA,” the minister added.</p>



<p>The Malta Construction and Building Authority is expected to eventually consolidate the various current entities, in particular, the Building Regulation Office (BRO), the Masons Board and the Building Regulation Board (BRB) under one authority. This authority is tasked not only to focus on buildings during the construction stage but will also monitor the performance of completed buildings once occupied, the DOI press statement adds.</p>



<h2>Turbulent times</h2>



<p>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&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-calls-extraordinary-general-meeting/3437/" target="_blank">Kamra called for an extraordinary general meeting</a>.</p>



<p>Prior to the EGM the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-issues-preliminary-position-prior-to-egm/3539/" target="_blank">Kamra published its preliminary position</a>, and after the EGM the Kamra pledged commitment&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/architects-urge-govt-to-enter-discussions-in-light-of-public-safety/3588/" target="_blank">to improving the public safety of citizens and urged the government to enter discussions</a>&nbsp;with the association.</p>



<p>The Kamra also welcomed the recent<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-periti-applauds-mason-public-list/3607/" target="_blank">&nbsp;listing of licensed masons published on the website of the Building Regulation Office</a>&nbsp;(BRO).&nbsp;</p>



<p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://kamratalperiti.org/wp-content/uploads/Letter-to-Minister-re-LN.pdf" target="_blank">The Kamra sent a letter to the minister, asking to clarify a number of points</a>. At the same time, the Kamra also asked for a meeting prior to the publication of the legal notice.</p>



<p>Kamra tal-Periti <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-meets-govt-as-discussions-start/3773/" target="_blank">met the government to discuss the new regulations that were brought into force</a>, during which the association outlined its issues with the current regulations, and the positions voted upon in the extraordinary general meeting on 21 June.</p>



<p><em>EDITORIAL NOTE: The present article has been updated with a quote from the infrastructure minister and with additional information from the DOI press release, as well as the &#8220;Consolidation ahead&#8221; crosshead has been added.</em></p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/architects-association-applauds-new-agency/5075/">Architects’ association applauds new agency</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">5075</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Kamra tal-Periti welcomes new amendment</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-welcomes-new-amendment/5000/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Christian Keszthelyi]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Aug 2019 08:20:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[amendment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[construction sector]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kamra tal-periti]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legal notice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legislation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[regulation]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=5000</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The most recent amendment to legislation related to the construction sector in Malta removes the obligation of the architect in charge of the project to approve the site technical officer appointed by the contractor. This amendment also widens the pool of people authorised to provide such services through the inclusion of those in possession of a Bachelor of Engineering.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-welcomes-new-amendment/5000/">Kamra tal-Periti welcomes new amendment</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>The most recent amendment to legislation related to the construction sector in Malta removes the obligation of the architect in charge of the project to approve the site technical officer appointed by the contractor, according to a press statement Maltese architects’ association Kamra tal-Periti sent to Business Malta. This amendment also widens the pool of people authorised to provide such services through the inclusion of those in possession of a Bachelor of Engineering.</strong></p>



<p>After the walls of three buildings collapsed in two months in Malta near construction sites, the government halted all demolition and excavation works in the country on 13 June and drafted legislation to regulate the vertical. Legal Notice 136 of 2019 regarding the Avoidance of Damage to Third Party Property Regulations, 2019, came into force on 25 June. </p>



<p>However, the Kamra tal-Periti argued that there was a “lack of clarity between the principles made in the statement and certain statements made in Parliament,” after regulations came into effect and urged discussions with the government. The regulation was later <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="amended through Legal Notice 180 of 2019 (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.justiceservices.gov.mt/DownloadDocument.aspx?app=lp&amp;itemid=29696&amp;l=1" target="_blank">amended through Legal Notice 180 of 2019</a>, which came into force on 29 July.</p>



<p>“In the period between the publication of the two legal notices, the Council of the Kamra tal-Periti worked incessantly to ensure that the interests of the profession are safeguarded and that public safety is placed at the forefront,” the press statement sent to BM says.</p>



<p>“In particular, it is to be noted that the Kamra’s primary contentions with the Legal Notice revolved around the fact that periti [Maltese word for architects] are the only actors on construction sites who are properly regulated, while all other actors operate in an unregulated manner, to the extent that the industry had reached, in the Kamra’s own words, a state of crisis,” the statement adds.</p>



<p>Despite only two of the proposed changes by the association having been included in the amended legal notice, the Kamra tagged the progress to be “significant” related to matters that impact the industry, which have been recorded in a <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Letter of Commitment (opens in a new tab)" href="https://kamratalperiti.org/wp-content/uploads/MTIP_KTP_Commitment_Letter_2Aug2019_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Letter of Commitment</a> presented by the government to the Kamra tal-Periti.</p>



<h2>Further changes coming</h2>



<p>The Maltese government has expressed commitment toward establishing a new authority to regulate the building and construction industry, which will be accompanied by the promulgation of new building and construction regulations in line with the Kamra’s proposals published last May. </p>



<p>Additionally, the Kamra’s “long-awaited” registration, licensing and classification of contractors and skilled labourers by government is also in the pipeline, which is believed to ensure that liabilities are carried by the professional and the contractor in a more equitable manner in line with the Civil Code. </p>



<p>“The new regulations will clearly delineate the various responsibilities to be carried by each of the participants on a construction site, which will, in the interim period, be addressed by Forms of Contract to be published shortly by the Kamra tal-Periti. The new regulations will also address liability periods of the participants on a construction site, bringing them in line with existing European models,” the press statement says.</p>



<p>Immediately after the summer recess, the government said it will issue various amendments to the Periti Act, which currently regulates the profession. Such changes have been the subject of discussions with subsequent governments since 2007, the association underscores, adding that now there appears to be convergence on most of the proposed amendments.</p>



<p>“In terms of Legal Notice 136 of 2019, as amended, various aspects were agreed, including the establishment of a register, to be published by the Building Regulation Office, of persons who are competent to provide the services of a site technical officer, the amendment of the various forms that are to be submitted to the Building Regulation Office to be in line with the latest Legal Notice and the processes agreed to between the government and the Kamra, and the eventual integration of the provisions of the Legal Notice in the regulations that will be eventually established under the Act regulating the new authority,” the press statement adds.</p>



<p>The Kamra says that “practically” all of the motions approved by its EGMs held on 21 June and 5 July 2019 have been addressed and there is now a recorded commitment by the government to implement “significant” reforms to the industry. “The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti is confident that there is the political will to ensure a comprehensive reform of the building and construction industry, as also outlined in the Kamra’s document <a href="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/5bc7e5e7ee469c24a8ec71546/files/1968435d-9f44-4dea-81f7-b0d3c5fc986e/A_Modern_Building_Construction_Regulation_Framework_for_Malta_FINAL.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2s1tCjmOr7lQvLO6sdjLq0jGaDh7Z-LqrJs4poE8o36PIwFfJZXuS29gA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">A Modern Building and Construction Regulation Framework for Malta (May 2019)</a> which has already received the support of all the stakeholders who have been consulted to date,” the press statement adds.</p>



<p>According to the association, the Maltese government has acknowledged the fact that an overhaul of the construction industry is not only necessary but also needed to ensure that it moves forward in a sustainable manner. The Kamra tal-Periti believes that the Letter of Commitment is an important milestone for all actors in the industry, including the general public. </p>



<h2>Turbulent times</h2>



<p>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&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-calls-extraordinary-general-meeting/3437/" target="_blank">Kamra called for an extraordinary general meeting</a>.</p>



<p>Prior to the EGM the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-issues-preliminary-position-prior-to-egm/3539/" target="_blank">Kamra published its preliminary position</a>, and after the EGM the Kamra pledged commitment&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/architects-urge-govt-to-enter-discussions-in-light-of-public-safety/3588/" target="_blank">to improving the public safety of citizens and urged the government to enter discussions</a>&nbsp;with the association.</p>



<p>The Kamra also welcomed the recent<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-periti-applauds-mason-public-list/3607/" target="_blank">&nbsp;listing of licensed masons published on the website of the Building Regulation Office</a>&nbsp;(BRO).&nbsp;</p>



<p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://kamratalperiti.org/wp-content/uploads/Letter-to-Minister-re-LN.pdf" target="_blank">The Kamra sent a letter to the minister, asking to clarify a number of points</a>. At the same time, the Kamra also asked for a meeting prior to the publication of the legal notice.</p>



<p>Kamra tal-Periti&nbsp;<a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-meets-govt-as-discussions-start/3773/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">met the government to discuss the new regulations that were brought into force</a>, during which the association outlined its issues with the current regulations, and the positions voted upon in the extraordinary general meeting on 21 June.</p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-welcomes-new-amendment/5000/">Kamra tal-Periti welcomes new amendment</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">5000</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Kamra Tal-Periti celebrates the Premju Galizia winners</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-celebrates-the-premju-galizia-winners/4904/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Manfredi Bertelli]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 31 Jul 2019 10:01:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[awards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chamber of architects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[galizia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kamra tal-periti]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[winners]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=4904</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Maltese association of architects Kamra tal-Periti presented the Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia awards on 25 July during a dinner gala at the Phoenicia Hotel, with over 200 architects and guests attending the event.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-celebrates-the-premju-galizia-winners/4904/">Kamra Tal-Periti celebrates the Premju Galizia winners</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Maltese association of architects Kamra tal-Periti presented the Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia awards on 25 July during a dinner gala at the Phoenicia Hotel, with over 200 architects and guests attending the event, according to a press release sent to Business Malta.  </strong></p>



<p>&#8220;It was a hundred years ago, on the 25 July 1919, that Herbert Plumer, then Governor of Malta, brought into force the Architects’ Ordinance, which governed the profession of Land Surveyor and Architect and paved the way for the establishment of the profession of Architect and Civil Engineer (perit) as we know it today,&#8221; the press statement issued by the Kamra tal-Periti says.</p>



<p>On this occasion, the Kamra presented the following awards to their respective winners:</p>



<table class="wp-block-table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>President’s Award for Best Overall Project</strong></td><td>Chris Briffa Architects for Reef Guest House, Bahrain</td></tr><tr><td><strong>President’s Award Special Commendation</strong></td><td>Valentino Architects for threeplusone</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Quality Architecture Award</strong></td><td>MJMDA for Limber Lattice</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Urban Regeneration Award</strong></td><td>Periti at GHRC and MTIP for Triton Square &amp; Fountain Project</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Housing Project Award</strong></td><td>Valentino Architects for threeplusone</td></tr><tr><td><strong>International Project Award</strong></td><td>Chris Briffa Architects for Reef Guest House, Bahrain</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Emerging Practice Special Commendation</strong></td><td>Archi+</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Interior Spaces Award</strong></td><td>MMK Studio for Qormi Industrial Minimalist Home</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Interior Spaces Special Commendation</strong></td><td>Forward Architects for AX Rosselli Privilege</td></tr><tr><td><strong>M. Arch. Thesis Project Award</strong></td><td>Martina Cutajar for Chance and Order in Architectural Production</td></tr><tr><td><strong>M. Arch. Dissertation Award</strong></td><td>Andrew Borg Wirth for True Thick and Thin: Architecture as an Implication</td></tr><tr><td><strong>M. Eng. Thesis Project Award</strong></td><td>Emmanuel Bonello for The Sea Maiden</td></tr><tr><td><strong>M. Eng. Dissertation Award</strong></td><td>Lucia Calleja for Auxetics in Architecture: A Study on Geometry and Topology</td></tr></tbody></table>



<p>The Premju Galizia was accompanied by the opening of a public exhibition of some of the best projects realised over the past year. Projects that range from the national scale, such as the two urban regeneration finalist projects, to more &#8220;intimate&#8221; interior design projects, the press statement says.</p>



<p>The exhibition will run until 2 August 2019 at the Ġnien il-Biskuttin (Argotti Gardens) adjacent to the Christ the King monument in Floriana.</p>



<p>The gallery accompanied by further information related to the awarded projects can be seen on <a href="https://premjugalizia.org/2019-winners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="the official website of the Kamra tal-Periti (opens in a new tab)">the official website of the Kamra tal-Periti</a>.</p>



<p>The Maltese architects’ association says it is committed to assisting the government in every which way to ensure that Maltese urban environment makes a marked shift towards ever-higher quality and standards, according to the press release sent to BM.</p>



<p><em>EDITORIAL NOTE: The construction sector has been through challenging times recently. The </em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-calls-extraordinary-general-meeting/3437/" target="_blank"><em>Kamra called for an extraordinary general meeting</em></a><em>, after the walls of three building collapsed near excavation works. Prior to the EGM the </em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-issues-preliminary-position-prior-to-egm/3539/" target="_blank"><em>Kamra published its preliminary position</em></a><em>, and after the EGM the Kamra pledged commitment </em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/architects-urge-govt-to-enter-discussions-in-light-of-public-safety/3588/" target="_blank"><em>to improving the public safety of citizens and urged the government to enter discussions</em></a><em> with the association. The Kamra also welcomed the recent</em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-periti-applauds-mason-public-list/3607/" target="_blank"><em> listing of licensed masons published on the website of the Building Regulation Office</em></a><em> (BRO). </em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://kamratalperiti.org/wp-content/uploads/Letter-to-Minister-re-LN.pdf" target="_blank"><em>The Kamra sent a letter to the minister, asking to clarify a number of points</em></a><em>. At the same time, the Kamra also asked for a meeting prior to the publication of the legal notice.</em></p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-celebrates-the-premju-galizia-winners/4904/">Kamra Tal-Periti celebrates the Premju Galizia winners</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4904</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Kamra Tal-Periti celebrates 100th anniversary of the Architects’ Ordinance</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-celebrates-100th-anniversary/4597/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Manfredi Bertelli]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Jul 2019 11:19:52 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Property Market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chamber of rchitects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[galizia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kamra tal-periti]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=4597</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Maltese architects’ association Kamra tal-Periti has celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Architects’ Ordinance, marking this special occasion with the second edition of award Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-celebrates-100th-anniversary/4597/">Kamra Tal-Periti celebrates 100th anniversary of the Architects’ Ordinance</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>The Maltese architects’ association Kamra tal-Periti has celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Architects’ Ordinance, marking this special occasion with the second edition of award Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia, according to a press release sent to Business Malta.</strong></p>



<p>In this year edition, the association is awarding the best-emerging practice and is launching two new categories, one focusing on multiple dwelling projects with three or more units and another for the best international project carried out by a locally-warranted architect.</p>



<p>The Galizia prize was first launched in 2018 in order to award excellence in architecture, civil engineering, urban regeneration and interior design. This year it is sponsored by JM Vassallo Vibro Steel Ltd and Satariano, and supported by Brands International Ltd, Halmann Vella, Vivendo Group, AX Group, Bathroom Design Malta, Creations, Light Design Solutions and Simonds Farsons Cisk, the press release sent to BM says. </p>



<p>The final awards will be presented during a gala dinner on 25 July, accompanied by an outdoor exhibition of the finalist projects, installed near the Christ the King monument in Floriana open until 2 August.</p>



<p>The Architects’ Ordinance has been founded on 25 July 1919 by Herbert Plumer, who was governor of Malta at the time. The ordinance was created to control the work of land surveyors and architects and paved the way for the establishment of the nowadays profession of architects and civil engineers. </p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-celebrates-100th-anniversary/4597/">Kamra Tal-Periti celebrates 100th anniversary of the Architects’ Ordinance</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Architects propose solutions addressing industry slowdown</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/architects-propose-solutions-addressing-industry-slowdown/4178/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Marija Camilleri]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jul 2019 06:07:33 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Property Market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[architect]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[egm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[extraordinary general meeting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kamra tal-periti]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[periti]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=4178</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Over 400 Maltese architects attended the Kamra tal-Periti’s recent Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) that highlighted the importance of safety, registration, licensing and classification of contractors.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/architects-propose-solutions-addressing-industry-slowdown/4178/">Architects propose solutions addressing industry slowdown</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Over 400 Maltese architects attended the Kamra tal-Periti’s recent Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) that highlighted the importance of safety, registration, licensing and classification of contractors, according to a press statement sent to Business Malta. The Kamra tal-Petiti has also drafted proposals for a new Legal Notice to outline the processes and requirements needed to achieve such goals.  </strong></p>



<p>This Extraordinary General Meeting was the second in three weeks, the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="first meeting was held on the 21st June 2019 (opens in a new tab)" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/architects-urge-govt-to-enter-discussions-in-light-of-public-safety/3588/" target="_blank">first meeting was held on 21 June</a>. Both of these meetings stressed the importance of safety and avoidance of damage to third-party property. </p>



<p>Substantial progress has been made since the last EGM, states Perit Simone Vella Lenicker, President of the Kamra tal-Periti. Concerns addressed in the last EGM are now included in the current Legal Notice 136, regarding the Avoidance of Damage to Third Party Property. The Kamra’s insistence that registration, licensing and classification were needed for safety and quality on construction site brought about the setting up of a register of contractors, which was announced Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg and parliamentary secretary Chris Aguis together with the Kamra tal-Periti and the Malta Developers Association. The register will be followed up later this year by the establishment of a system of licensing and classification. </p>



<p>The Kamra tal-Periti has drafted proposals for a new Legal Notice which are expected to address the current decline being experienced by the industry following the introduction of the new regulations on 25 June, particularly on sites where demolition and excavation works cannot proceed without the appointment of a Site Technical Officer, says the press release sent to BM. Discussions are currently underway with the government on these proposals. </p>



<p>The proposed system will start off with three Registers: Building Construction, Excavation and Demolition Contractors, stated Perit André Pizzuto, Vice President of the Kamra tal-Periti. These are further classified on the basis of risk, namely High, Medium and Low Risk. The perit [Maltese word for architect] in charge of a new project would commission or carry out a risk assessment and indicate the type of contractors required to carry out the planned works, according to the press release. </p>



<p>The Site Technical Officer introduced in the Legal Notice is still maintained, however, the minimum qualifications held by such person would depend on the risk category in which the contractor is registered. </p>



<p>During the EGM it was agreed that a number of points with regard to Legal Notice 136 of 2019 need to be addressed without further delay. These mainly include: the role, responsibilities and competencies of the Site Technical Officer; a clear distinction between the works specifications that must be prepared by a perit, and the method statement which must be prepared by the contractor in order to state how the specifications are to be implemented and achieved; a clearer distinction between temporary and permanent works; and also the removal of various inconsistencies between the Maltese and English versions of the Legal Notice. The Kamra tal-Periti will be requesting further meetings with government to address such issues, says the press release. </p>



<h2>Support from international associations</h2>



<p>The Kamra tal-Periti has received letters of support for its position from the international community of architects, in which they were praised for their work on ensuring that historically established lines of responsibility on construction sites, in accordance with international practice in all developed countries, are maintained and strengthened.</p>



<p>“The Union commends the profession as it advocates clear and rigorous guidelines describing the responsibilities of the various stakeholders on construction sites in the interests of safety and quality of the built environment,” says Thomas Vonier, President of the International Union of Architects (UIA)</p>



<p>The Union of Mediterranean Architects (UMAR) held their 25th General Assembly in Rome and recognised “the Maltese profession in its efforts to retain its independence and impartiality, and for promoting clear and strong guidelines delineating responsibilities of the various stakeholders on construction sites in the interests of safety and quality of the built environment,” according to Wassim Naghi, President of the UMAR. “The General Assembly also supports the Kamra tal-Periti in its strong calls requesting government to immediately allocate sufficient and adequate resources to the local Regulator in order to allow it to carry out its statutory functions in a timely and efficient manner in the interest of public health and safety on and around construction sites,” notes Mr Naghi. </p>



<h2>Turbulent times</h2>



<p>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 <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-calls-extraordinary-general-meeting/3437/" target="_blank">Kamra called for an extraordinary general meeting</a>. </p>



<p>Prior to the EGM the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-issues-preliminary-position-prior-to-egm/3539/" target="_blank">Kamra published its preliminary position</a>, and after the EGM the Kamra pledged commitment <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/architects-urge-govt-to-enter-discussions-in-light-of-public-safety/3588/" target="_blank">to improving the public safety of citizens and urged the government to enter discussions</a> with the association. </p>



<p>The Kamra also welcomed the recent<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-periti-applauds-mason-public-list/3607/" target="_blank"> listing of licensed masons published on the website of the Building Regulation Office</a> (BRO). </p>



<p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://kamratalperiti.org/wp-content/uploads/Letter-to-Minister-re-LN.pdf" target="_blank">The Kamra sent a letter to the minister, asking to clarify a number of points</a>. At the same time, the Kamra also asked for a meeting prior to the publication of the legal notice.</p>



<p>Kamra tal-Periti <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-meets-govt-as-discussions-start/3773/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="met the government to discuss the new regulations that were brought into force (opens in a new tab)">met the government to discuss the new regulations that were brought into force</a>, during which the association outlined its issues with the current regulations, and the positions voted upon in the extraordinary general meeting on 21 June.</p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/architects-propose-solutions-addressing-industry-slowdown/4178/">Architects propose solutions addressing industry slowdown</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4178</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Kamra tal-Periti meets gov’t as discussions start</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-meets-govt-as-discussions-start/3773/</link>
					<comments>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-meets-govt-as-discussions-start/3773/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Christian Keszthelyi]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 28 Jun 2019 12:26:31 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[architect]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[construction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[discussions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kamra tal-periti]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[meeting]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=3773</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Maltese architects’ association Kamra tal-Periti meets the government to discuss the new regulations that were brought into force earlier this week. Further meetings are in the pipeline.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-meets-govt-as-discussions-start/3773/">Kamra tal-Periti meets gov’t as discussions start</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Maltese architects’ association Kamra tal-Periti met the government to discuss the new regulations that were brought into force earlier this week. During the three-hour-long meeting, the Kamra outlined its issues with the current regulations, and the positions voted upon in the extraordinary general meeting on 21 June, according to a press statement sent to Business Malta. Further meetings are in the pipeline.</strong></p>



<p>“The Kamra also expressed its deep concern for public safety due to conflicts between the Civil Code and the new regulations, and the confusion surrounding the apportionment of responsibilities,” the press statement says. “The Kamra tal-Periti also insisted on the urgency for the setting up of a system of registration of contractors so members of the public, and periti [Maltese word for ] themselves, can begin to regain confidence in the industry,” the statement added.</p>



<p>The association and the government also agreed to hold further meetings to discuss amendments to the new regulations that will be proposed by the Kamra together with its team of legal consultants for Government’s consideration. “The Kamra tal-Periti reiterates its commitment to assist the government in fulfilling its intention to bring about a positive reform of the industry in the interest of public safety,” the press statement notes.</p>



<p>The Kamra tal-Periti press statement raises concerns over Regulation 26 states that “[w]hen before the start of the works, the perit in charge of the project certifies, after giving clear reasons, that the structural interventions will not affect third party property, the provisions of regulations 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 do not apply”.</p>



<p>According to the association, this regulation “implies that if a perit [architect] certifies that no damage will occur to third-parties during works, the entire set of regulations can be circumvented. If damages do occur, the perit [architect] issuing such certification would carry personal criminal and civil responsibility for anything that happens, even when the contractor is at fault.”</p>



<p>The association says that this has put members of the profession under immense pressure to sign such declarations as contractors and developers are incurring extremely high costs due to the effective suspension of works. “The Kamra has received multiple reports from members of the profession who received personal threats as well as threats of crippling and vexatious lawsuits if they do not sign such declarations,” the press statement adds.</p>



<p>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 <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-calls-extraordinary-general-meeting/3437/" target="_blank">Kamra called for an extraordinary general meeting</a>. Prior to the EGM the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-issues-preliminary-position-prior-to-egm/3539/" target="_blank">Kamra published its preliminary position</a>, and after the EGM the Kamra pledged commitment <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/architects-urge-govt-to-enter-discussions-in-light-of-public-safety/3588/" target="_blank">to improving the public safety of citizens and urged the government to enter discussions</a> with the association. The Kamra also welcomed the recent<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-periti-applauds-mason-public-list/3607/" target="_blank"> listing of licensed masons published on the website of the Building Regulation Office</a> (BRO). <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://kamratalperiti.org/wp-content/uploads/Letter-to-Minister-re-LN.pdf" target="_blank">The Kamra sent a letter to the minister, asking to clarify a number of points</a>. At the same time, the Kamra also asked for a meeting prior to the publication of the legal notice.</p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-meets-govt-as-discussions-start/3773/">Kamra tal-Periti meets gov’t as discussions start</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3773</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Kamra tal-Periti sends letter to minister to clarify new regulations</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-sends-letter-to-minister-to-clarify-new-regulations/3666/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Christian Keszthelyi]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Jun 2019 07:13:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[architect]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[construction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[demolition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[excavation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ian borg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kamra tal-periti]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[minister]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[regulations]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=3666</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-sends-letter-to-minister-to-clarify-new-regulations/3666/">Kamra tal-Periti sends letter to minister to clarify new regulations</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Maltese architects</strong>’<strong> 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</strong></p>



<p>“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 <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="you can find here (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.gov.mt/en/Government/DOI/Press%20Releases/Pages/2019/June/24/pr191400.aspx" target="_blank">one can find here</a>; and (b) The Ministerial Statement read in Parliament by the Minister, together with the subsequent questions and answers, which <a href="https://parlament.mt/Audio/13thLeg/Plenary%20Session/Plenary%20240%2024-06-2019%201600hrs.mp3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="one can follow here (opens in a new tab)">one can follow here</a> (minute 32.20 onwards),” the press statement says.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><a href="https://kamratalperiti.org/wp-content/uploads/Letter-to-Minister-re-LN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Kamra sent a letter to the minister, asking to clarify a number of points (opens in a new tab)">The Kamra sent a letter to the minister, asking to clarify a number of points</a>. At the same time, the Kamra also asked for a meeting prior to the publication of the legal notice.</p>



<p>“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.</p>



<p>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 <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Kamra called for an extraordinary general meeting (opens in a new tab)" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-calls-extraordinary-general-meeting/3437/" target="_blank">Kamra called for an extraordinary general meeting</a>. Prior to the EGM the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Kamra published its preliminary position (opens in a new tab)" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-issues-preliminary-position-prior-to-egm/3539/" target="_blank">Kamra published its preliminary position</a>, and after the EGM the Kamra pledged commitment <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="to improving the public safety of citizens and urged the government to enter discussions (opens in a new tab)" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/architects-urge-govt-to-enter-discussions-in-light-of-public-safety/3588/" target="_blank">to improving the public safety of citizens and urged the government to enter discussions</a> with the association. The Kamra also welcomed the recent<a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-periti-applauds-mason-public-list/3607/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" listing of licensed masons published on the website of the Building Regulation Office (opens in a new tab)"> listing of licensed masons published on the website of the Building Regulation Office</a> (BRO).</p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-sends-letter-to-minister-to-clarify-new-regulations/3666/">Kamra tal-Periti sends letter to minister to clarify new regulations</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		<enclosure url="https://parlament.mt/Audio/13thLeg/Plenary%20Session/Plenary%20240%2024-06-2019%201600hrs.mp3" length="37776985" type="audio/mpeg" />

		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3666</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Kamra tal-Periti applauds public list of masons</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-periti-applauds-mason-public-list/3607/</link>
					<comments>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-periti-applauds-mason-public-list/3607/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Manfredi Bertelli]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jun 2019 08:03:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[architect]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[association]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[construction industry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[egm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[extraordinary general meeting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kamra tal-periti]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mason]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=3607</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Kamra tal-Periti welcomes the recent listing of licensed masons published on the website of the Building Regulation Office (BRO). The Kamra says they had been requesting this feature for years.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-periti-applauds-mason-public-list/3607/">Kamra tal-Periti applauds public list of masons</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>The Kamra tal-Periti welcomes the recent listing of licensed masons published on the website of the Building Regulation Office (BRO), according to a press statement the association of Maltese architects sent to Business Malta. The Kamra says they had been requesting this feature for years.</strong></p>



<p>The Code of Police Laws stipulates that it is not lawful to exercise masonry without a licence, which requires to give assurance to the architect in charge of the project and confirms that such a person is qualified to carry out such operations as having received the appropriate training. </p>



<p>“If any mason, through unskilfulness, imprudence or carelessness, shall, in the construction of any work entrusted to him, and appertaining to his trade, cause any injury to any person or property, it shall be lawful for the Court of Magistrates to interdict such mason from the exercise of his trade for any time to be stated in the sentence, ordering, at the same time, the withdrawal of the licence,” The Code of Police states, according to the Kamra press release. Therefore, the responsibilities arising out of the code are clear and no lesser legal instrument can be used to infer otherwise, the association says.</p>



<p>In addition, the publication of the list is welcome and it is expected that the BRO will not permit works to continue on any site where masons are found not to be on the list, the Kamra underscores. </p>



<p>Moreover, the Civil Code places the onus for the structural integrity jointly on the architect and the contractor. The Building Regulation Act also places the obligation on the BRO to issue licences and registration of masons, fire consultants, other consultants in the building industry, building contractors and tradespeople, the press statement says, the Kamra reminds.</p>



<p>The <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Kamra tal-Periti held an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) (opens in a new tab)" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-calls-extraordinary-general-meeting/3437/" target="_blank">Kamra tal-Periti held an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)</a> on Friday, June 21, to discuss the state of the Maltese construction industry, after the review of the Avoidance of Damage to Third Party Property Regulations draft and the interruption of all demolition and excavation activities on 13 June 2019. The Kamra says this very EGM was the largest in the history of its existence. This <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="meeting was attended by approximately 400 architects (opens in a new tab)" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-issues-preliminary-position-prior-to-egm/3539/" target="_blank">meeting was attended by approximately 400 architects</a>, declaring the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="urgent intervention of the government, in order to collaborate with the Kamra and to ensure the safety of people as a first priority (opens in a new tab)" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/architects-urge-govt-to-enter-discussions-in-light-of-public-safety/3588/" target="_blank">urgent intervention of the government in order to collaborate with the Kamra and to ensure the safety of people as a first priority</a>.    </p>



<p>In fact, after the EGM and following discussions, the Kamra tal-Periti reiterates its willingness to support the Maltese government in setting up systems for the registration and licensing of contractors in accordance with the BRO’s obligations as set out in the Building Regulation Act, according to the press release. </p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-periti-applauds-mason-public-list/3607/">Kamra tal-Periti applauds public list of masons</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3607</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Architects urge gov’t to enter discussions in light of public safety</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/architects-urge-govt-to-enter-discussions-in-light-of-public-safety/3588/</link>
					<comments>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/architects-urge-govt-to-enter-discussions-in-light-of-public-safety/3588/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Christian Keszthelyi]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 22 Jun 2019 19:13:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[architect]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[association]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[developer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[egm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[extraordinary general meeting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kamra tal-periti]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=3588</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Maltese architects appear to unanimously agree that public safety is paramount. They also urge the government to enter into discussions with the Kamra tal-Periti.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/architects-urge-govt-to-enter-discussions-in-light-of-public-safety/3588/">Architects urge gov’t to enter discussions in light of public safety</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>The approximately 400 Maltese architects attending the Extraordinary General Meeting organised by Kamra tal-Periti on 21 June unanimously agreed that public safety is paramount, according to a press statement sent to Business Malta. They also urged the government to enter into discussions with the Kamra, which is the association representing the profession in Malta.</strong></p>



<p>The EGM stressed that no effort should be spared to ensure that the safety of people in their homes, and their quality of life, are the topmost priority of all involved in the construction industry, including the respective regulators.</p>



<p>The EGM also reiterated the profession’s full commitment to ensure public safety and urged the government to enter into discussions with the Kamra, as the sole and legal representative of the profession, rather than depend on advisors or entities which may not be adequately familiar with the technical and engineering aspects of the construction process.</p>



<p>The <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="EGM was called (opens in a new tab)" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-calls-extraordinary-general-meeting/3437/" target="_blank">EGM was called</a> 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. After consulting architects, the chamber also issued<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" a preliminary position prior to the EGM (opens in a new tab)" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-issues-preliminary-position-prior-to-egm/3539/" target="_blank"> a preliminary position prior to the EGM</a>.</p>



<p>“The time is long overdue for the government to properly address in a holistic manner, the problems besetting the construction industry, and not through a piecemeal approach,” the Kamra stresses after the EGM. “Hastily drafted and ill-thought revisions to a Legal Notice will not serve to ensure public safety, but rather serves only to confuse the various roles and responsibilities on construction sites. In particular, the EGM emphasised that under Malta’s Civil Code there are only two figures responsible for construction work, namely the Perit and the Contractor,” the statement notes.</p>



<p>“Consequently, the role of a site manager, as conceived in the Legal Notice, could only be assumed to be within the contractor’s setup, since the Contractor was obliged at law to understand and follow the instructions issued by the perit [Maltese word for architect], and be sufficiently knowledgeable to understand the significance of such instructions,” the press statement adds.</p>



<h2>Taking responsibility</h2>



<p>During the EGM, architects reaffirmed their commitment to take full responsibility for the tasks that were within their remit. They, however, demanded that the Maltese government “stops dragging its feet, and immediately takes the necessary steps to ensure that the framework which allows periti [architects] to ensure public safety is in place and effective.”</p>



<p>After the EGM, the association representing Maltese architects has come forward with the following demands:</p>



<ul><li>adoption of the amendments to the Periti Act, that the Kamra tal-Periti has been insisting on for the last 12 years, be approved, in full consultation with the Kamra; </li><li>that the government enters into immediate discussions with the Kamra, on the Building and Construction Regulation Framework it has proposed, and to agree on its implementation within a reasonable timeframe; </li><li>that, even before the setting up of the Building and Construction Authority, a proposal which the Kamra has supported since its inception, the government immediately provides the Building Regulation Office with all the necessary financial, human, and technical resources it requires to deal with its workload;</li><li>and finally, that the government implements the obligations of the regulator as far as concerns the certification of all building products, both produced locally or imported, as required by the Laws of Malta since 2011.</li></ul>



<p>Furthermore, the chamber says that any Legal Notice should, rather than contain technical detail that is better placed in building regulations, include provisions that empower the architect to suspend works, and lodge a report with the Building Regulations Office, without having to relinquish their commission, if the contractor or developer refuse to comply with the architect’s instructions on matters relating to structural integrity, the press statement adds.</p>



<p>Finally, the architects demand a clear separation between planning application and permitting processes, and the processes by which building and construction are notified, regulated and monitored. “Nearly five years have been wasted as a result of the misguided advice given to the government that the two processes should be brought together under the remit of the Planning Authority,” the press statement by the Kamra underscores.</p>



<p>The Maltese government halted all demolition and excavation works in the country on 13 June 2019, as an emergency action in view of the recent spate of structural collapses which occurred adjacent to construction sites. The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti considered this measure necessary, due to the potential risks to public safety. Therefore, Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced that new regulations would be published regarding excavation and demolition works, in order to address a number of issues.<br></p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/architects-urge-govt-to-enter-discussions-in-light-of-public-safety/3588/">Architects urge gov’t to enter discussions in light of public safety</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>Kamra tal-Periti issues preliminary position prior to EGM</title>
		<link>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-issues-preliminary-position-prior-to-egm/3539/</link>
					<comments>https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-issues-preliminary-position-prior-to-egm/3539/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Manfredi Bertelli]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Jun 2019 08:24:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[amendment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[architect]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[construction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kamra tal-periti]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legislation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[perit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[proposal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wall]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://maltabusinessweekly.com/?p=3539</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>After reviewing the Avoidance of Damage to Third Party Property Regulations draft, the Council of the Kamra tal-Periti (chamber of Maltese architects) together with its team of technical experts issued a preliminary position to all architects, which will be discussed tomorrow at an Extraordinary General Meeting, according to a press statement sent to Business Malta.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-issues-preliminary-position-prior-to-egm/3539/">Kamra tal-Periti issues preliminary position prior to EGM</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>After reviewing the Avoidance of Damage to Third Party Property Regulations draft, the Council of the Kamra tal-Periti (chamber of Maltese architects) together with its team of technical experts issued a preliminary position to all architects, which will be discussed <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="tomorrow at an Extraordinary General Meeting (opens in a new tab)" href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-calls-extraordinary-general-meeting/3437/" target="_blank">tomorrow at the Extraordinary General Meeting</a>, according to a press statement sent to Business Malta.</strong></p>



<p>The Maltese government halted all demolition and excavation works in the country on 13 June 2019, as an emergency action in view of the recent spate of structural collapses which occurred adjacent to construction sites. The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti considered this measure necessary, due to the potential risks to public safety. Therefore, Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced that new regulations would be published regarding excavation and demolition works, in order to address a number of issues. </p>



<p>Draft amendments to the Avoidance of Damage to Third Party Property Regulations were published on Monday 17 June 2019, concerning the following aspects: definition of site responsibilities, increase in insurance cover and requirement for its renewal, the process for the submission of the method statement and condition report — including regarding the need and frequency of geological and geotechnical surveys — exemptions and penalties. &nbsp;</p>



<p>The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti together with its team of technical experts has reviewed the proposed draft and has issued a preliminary position to all the architects. The chamber has also reported as an Executive Summary the following Kamra’s initial reactions, as follows:</p>



<ol><li>The rush to implement these piecemeal changes to the regulatory regime that governs the building industry is ill-thought. Our regulations and legislative instruments need a complete overhaul, as the <em>Kamra</em> has repeatedly stated since 2007. Attempting to amend the current regulations without having considered their impact on other pieces of legislation as well as on current practices and capacity of the industry is a recipe for further confusion and lack of clarity, rather than addressing the issues of safety which these changes purport to address. Even if the purported aim is to address the dangerous process of demolitions and excavations adjacent to existing properties, the Legal Notice proposes to address all other construction activities, but, at the same time, fails to address the other dangerous process of loading party walls, and their foundations, designed to carry two or three storeys, by many more floors.</li><li>The amendments claim to clarify the roles of the figures engaged on a site. However, there are glaring incongruencies with roles defined in other legislation, and rather than clarifying, the proposals introduce new roles without defining appropriate competences while ignoring the existence of figures already defined in other legislation, such as licenced masons. It also ignores the blatant lacuna regarding the legal obligation for registration of contractors, who are liable, as per Civil Law, jointly with the perit [Maltese word for architect], for the structural integrity of buildings.</li><li>The proposed processes for the submission of method statements, geotechnical investigation reports and geotechnical design reports are cumbersome and more intent on establishing who does them, who submits them, when and to whom, than on establishing the criteria for their preparation. The Kamra is of the opinion that this is a result of the lack of research to understand how such instruments are used internationally, and trying to adapt them to the local situation, with no regard for scale or complexity of projects.</li><li>The proposed draft seems to imply that the measures proposed therein are to apply retroactively to ongoing projects. This will have implications on the capacity of the industry to respond in a meaningful manner.</li></ol>



<p>However, the proposed Legal Notice in its current form is not acceptable. The full version of the Kamra’s analysis on the draft will be published at the end of the consultation process following the EGM.</p><p>The post <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com/kamra-tal-periti-issues-preliminary-position-prior-to-egm/3539/">Kamra tal-Periti issues preliminary position prior to EGM</a> first appeared on <a href="https://maltabusinessweekly.com">The Malta Business Weekly</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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