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James Debono
The Local Council department has intervened to stop the Sliema local council from charging a fee on contractors which was used by the council to repair damages caused by the same contractors.
An official letter sent by the department has informed the Sliema council that it could no longer charge building contractors Lm20 everyday during which roads are obstructed due to the use of cranes.
The council’s executive secretary Lino Bartolo explained that the money was used to repair damage caused by building contractors.
He also explained that the fee in question was not applicable to residents conducting repairs in their own homes. Residents, unlike building contractors are only charged Lm1.
According to a letter sent to the council on 27 June, the amount charged by the Sliema council will be deducted from the funds allocated to the council and the money will be refunded to contractors.
According to calculations made by the Sliema council, this will effectively mean a deduction of Lm3,000 from its funds.
The Local Council department told MaltaToday that the fees introduced by the Sliema council for the deposit or use of cranes within the locality are not in accordance with the fees established in the regulations of activities requiring a council permit.
The department has investigated the matter after “persistent reports” by building contractors, and is now insisting that local councils should only charge Lm1 for each site where the crane is deposited.
“It is, therefore, evident that the Lm20 charged by the Sliema Council is in excess of the statutory fee and the reason given by the Council for charging such fees is not justified at law,” added the department’s spokesperson.
The Green Party’s local councillor Michael Briguglio told MaltaToday that the Sliema local council will be contesting this decision.
“Building development in Tas-Sliema is rampant and it is only fair that contractors pay their due for the inconveniences and damages they cause.”
jdebono@newsworksltd.com
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