ADPD proposes central geological authority to prevent construction failures

ADPD-The Green Party proposed the establishment of a National Geological Service and the creation of a passport for every building.

ADPD Deputy Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo insisted that further knowledge into Malta’s geology is of the utmost importance, noting that the small amount of information left by the British military has not been updated.

During a press conference in Paceville, the party explained that the responsibilities of this service should extend beyond collecting and updating geological data, also conducting the necessary geological valuations according to the highest international standards.

ADPD pointed out that Malta is the only country in Europe without a centralised geological authority, resulting in professional failings in the construction industry, urban planning, and environmental protection. 

ADPD referred to the total collapse of a building in Paceville around a year ago, along with a recent incident in Naxxar which saw several families evacuated from their homes fearing the collapse of a construction site.

While no one was injured or killed in these cases, Cacopardo spoke about the increasing number of work accidents on construction sites, with some people losing their lives.

“The public authorities seem to wake up from their slumber only when an accident has happened,” ADPD Chairperson Sandra Gauci said. “ It is important to prevent these incidents and to prevent this from happening, frequent assessments should be carried out to ensure that buildings are in a good state.”

She explained that an important tool in the sector would be the creation of a building passport administered by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). The passport would include all documentation for every building, starting from the approval of plans for development, the reports that were prepared for permits to be issued, and eventual construction.

“How many more deaths do we need to face before the construction sector ups its game?” ADPD concluded.