Another reform to continue raising the level in the construction sector – Change in the Mason’s license

The change in the rules of the masons’ license which has been put up for Public Consultation, defines what skills a person must have to work as a mason in Malta. We want the training to ensure that both those who will apply for the license for the first time and those who have already obtained the license continue to improve their skills and are more aware of the best practices in the building sector.

This was announced by the Minister for Public Works and Planning Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi in a news conference in which he gave details about this reform. He stated that this is another step in a series of reforms aimed at regulating the construction field and improving quality in the sector.

These regulations are complementing the new regulations that were introduced by this Government, regarding the licensing obligation of demolition, excavation and construction contractors. With this, it is the first Government to introduce for the first time the license of contractors which places a number of obligations that did not exist before.
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi explained that the change is intended to clarify the skills and responsibilities of those who have a mason’s license, while also creating more means of enforcement for when a mason does not fulfill his duties as a licensed mason. Therefore, we are continuing to ensure that at every level of this sector there are clear and established responsibilities. Because while we want to protect the workers, we want to continue raising the quality in this sector.

Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi explained that the Draft Legal Notice on the Licensing Regulations of Masons includes the criteria by which one can obtain the license and there are also listed the responsibilities that every licensed mason must assume including being present on the job site. The training obligation will also be introduced for masons, both those who are already licensed and are to renew it and those who apply for the first time. This is so that the licensed masons continue to be updated with the changes that are taking place in the field of construction.

The Chief Executive Officer of the BCA, Jesmond Muscat, also spoke at the news conference and explained that the Building and Construction Authority will have a special committee that will start issuing these licenses. The committee will be made up of 5 members, 2 of whom must be Architects. The function of this committee includes that while it issues a license for the mason, it also implements directives issued by the BCA Board, including the organization of the exam in theory and practice.

The public consultation will remain open until Monday September 4, 2023. The draft Legal Notice can be obtained from the website konsultazzjoni.gov.mt where one can also leave his comments or suggestions. Emails can also be sent to: consultation.construction@gov.mt.