Public consultation about the licensing of contractors comes to an end

In line with the government’s commitment to improving quality in the construction sector, the Ministry for Public Works and Planning, together with the Building and Construction Authority, initiated a public consultation on the Legal Notice providing a framework for Licensing of Contractors.

The consultation was launched on Friday 21st April 2023, following six weeks of public consultation.

During this period, the Building and Construction Authority ensured that it met with all stakeholders and organised four consultation meetings, including one in Gozo.

These meetings were held at various locations around Malta to enable anyone interested in attending to do so with ease.

In fact, it was gratifying that these meetings were attended by a large number of operators involved in building and excavation, as well as in construction.

In addition to these meetings, the public was also invited to submit their comments and recommendations in writing.

During the consultation period, more than 100 correspondences were received, many of which were of interest and which could have an impact on the amendments that may be made to the draft regulations.

It is interesting to note that several entities submitted recommendations, including the Commissioner for the Environment and Planning in the Office of the Ombudsman, the ERA, the OHSA, the Malta Insurance Association, the Association of Insurance Brokers, the Civil Works Contractors’ Association, the GWU, and the Malta Chamber of Construction Management.

Minister for Public Works and Planning Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi together with Jesmond Muscat, the CEO of BCA also met with the Chamber of Commerce, the MCESD, as well as the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, in order to ensure that all interested parties had a say in these draft regulations.

Now that the consultation phase is over the Authority will evaluate all the suggestions that were made to finalise a law that will truly be of benefit to the construction sector.

Among the suggestions received by the Authority were those related to the required criteria for obtaining a license, comments on insurance requirements as specified in the draft regulations, the stipulated application time, and the importance of training for those working in the construction sector.

The consultation period was an important initiative for the Building and Construction Authority. Going forward, the Authority will continue to work by evaluating the suggestions made and ultimately publishing a set of regulations that will help to increase the seriousness and quality of the construction sector.