Developers and architects dominate new board

Architect and real estate company owner Samuel Formosa is the new chairman of the Building Regulation Board, which also includes Sandro Chetcuti, a vice-president of the Malta Developers Association.

The composition of the board was announced on Monday by Infrastructure and Transport Minister Joe Mizzi.

The board's responsibilities include the registration of contractors and tradesman in the construction sector. It also hears appeals against decisions taken by the director of the Building Regulation Office. 

The board will also be responsible for ensuring the enforcement of energy-performance regulation.

The new BRB chairman is Samuel Formosa, an experienced practising architect who is listed as a shareholder in Haus & Haus Properties Limited and Syntax Projects Limited. Formosa is a director of Fleming Properties Limited.

Sandro Chetcuti is currently deputy chairman of the Malta Developers Association. Chetcuti is still facing court proceedings for injuring GRTU Director-General Vince Farrugia, although a more serious charge of attempted murder was dropped last year.

Architect Ivan Muscat chaired the previous board, and civil servant Carmel Mifsud Borg acted as his deputy.

The board also includes architect Simone Vella Lenicker, a former honorary secretary of the Chamber of Architects who already served on the previous board.

Other members include MEPA team manager and architect Michelle Piccinino, university lecturer and architect Carmelo Barbara and Anthony J Camilleri.

The law specifies that the board chairman must be an architect with at least eight years experience in building construction. The board must also include two other persons, one an architect nominated by the Chamber of Architects (or Kamra tal-Periti) and a warranted engineer nominated by the Chamber of Professional Engineers.

The board must include at least four other persons, each with professional qualifications or knowledge and experience in matters related to building construction or health and safety, or building services.

The board, formed in November 2011 following the enactment of the Building Regulations Act, advises the minister on all matters related to building and building control regulations.