The Helpline 138 has been launched, providing a centralized 24/7 system for all inquiries related to construction, health and safety
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August 29, 2024
Reform in the licensing of masons with new regulations and the setting up of a new committee
During a meeting with journalists, the Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector Jonathan Attard announced the publication of new regulations on the licensing of masons.
The new regulations on the licensing of masons have been introduced as a Subsidiary Law under Chapter 623 of the Laws of Malta, which establishes the Building and Construction Authority, with Minister Attard saying that it is considered that this building sector has not seen a significant reform in it for more than 100 years.
The Minister said that this work which led to this step was not only based on the feedback received from the public consultation, but also as a result of dialogue with a number of stakeholders including the Building and Contractors Association, the Malta Developers Association and the Chamber of Architects.
“This is a crucial aspect of the ongoing reform process in the sector, aimed at continuous improvement of standards. We recognise the importance of further improving dialogue with key stakeholders. Similarly, we understand the need to take legislative and administrative action. These regulations will lay the foundation for additional reforms in the sector, including the eventual establishment of classifications, “said Minister Attard.
These regulations will lead to the gradual removal of licenses issued under the Police Code. The regulations will provide an updated definition of the mason or the licensed mason and also establish its responsibility.
The regulations will provide procedures regarding the processing of masons’ applications, the renewal of the license, suspension and the taking of the same license.
Licenses will be issued by a Building Licensing Committee, composed of persons with knowledge in the sector, including a licensed mason and 2 warranted architects. This committee will be given administrative support by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and will also have the function of organising the necessary examination, keeping a register and making necessary recommendations regarding policies related to the masonry trade.
This subsidiary Law under the Building and Construction Authority Act also establishes the prerequisites that an applicant must meet in order for his application to be considered by the same committee. It also provides the power of the Building and Construction Authority to require licensed masons to attend refresher courses that are necessary from time to time, which courses are also linked to the renewal of the license every two years.
The regulations also provide an effective deterrent for offenders, including when assuming the trade of a suspended license mason, working without a valid license or failing to comply with the conditions of the same license. This is apart from the possibility of suspension or revocation of the license.
The regulations also include a transitional process to facilitate the gradual removal of licenses issued under the Police Code in favour of those issued under the new regulations. All those in possession of a valid mason’s license will therefore be allowed to operate, but at the same time they will be asked to apply for the renewal of their license by not later than 31 December 2024 in order to truly arrive at a culture of responsibility in the sector.
“This is another reform that shows our commitment to continue reforming the sector, with work being carried out on three fronts and in line with the electoral manifesto, the inquiry linked to the tragic death of Jean Paul Sofia and further initiatives being taken by the Government and the respective authorities’’, concluded Minister Attard.
This press meeting was also attended by Architect Simon Saliba, Chairman of the Building and Construction Authority, Architect Roderick Bonnici, acting Chief Executive of the Building and Construction Authority, Architect Godwin Agius, Chairman of the Building Committee, and Lawyer Ivan Meli, Consultant at the Ministry for Justice and Reform of the Construction sector.
The new helpline 138, launched at the beginning of this week, will be available by all those who need more information about this last reform from a series of reforms taking place in the sector.
