MEPA Auditor’s term extended indefinitely

Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) Auditor Joe Falzon’s appointment has been extended for an “indefinite period” until the new law creating the new post of Commissioner for the Environment to replace the post – currently occupied by Falzon – comes into effect.

Falzon’s second term as MEPA’s auditor expired in July last year, but was extended until January 2011.

On that occasion, the term was prolonged for a further two months until the law regulating the appointment of the Environment and Planning Commissioner within the Office of the Ombudsmen comes into effect, and an Environment and Planning Commissioner is appointed.

He replaces the role of Auditor by that of Commissioner for Planning and the Environment, which will fall under the office of the parliamentary ombudsman. The person chosen will be one “on whose name there is agreement between the government and the opposition.” In the absence of an agreement the choice will be made by the ombudsman. 

Although the law has been approved, the legal notice, which brings it in to effect, has still to be issued.

Falzon had served as auditor since 2004, being twice appointed by the government in his position despite his very frank criticism of the authority, which falls under his scrutiny.