DIR 02/24 | New BCA Forms

Directive Repealed

See CIR 03/24

 

The Council has noted that two new forms were introduced by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in recent days. These are the “Declaration to the BCA regarding Third Party Property Condition Reports and Excavation Affected Complexes” and “Certificate of Insurance”.

Members of the profession are being hereby informed that these two forms were not discussed and agreed upon by the Kamra tal-Periti. Many of you will recall that the BCA forms were a major sticking point back in 2019, and the repeal of directives by the Kamra was in part conditional to its review of and agreement with such forms. Indeed, several circulars had been issued regarding the BCA forms at the time*. The matter eventually also formed part of the Letter of Commitment signed by the minister and permanent secretary responsible for sector at the time.

It is pertinent to reiterate the fact that S.L.623.06 does not specify the use of forms, and thus their imposition by the BCA is considered ultra-vires at law. All BCA forms, besides the above two, are only in place because of the agreement reached with the Kamra back in October 2019.

As a result of the BCA’s failure to consult with the Kamra tal-Periti on the two aforementioned forms, the Council is hereby directing all members of the profession not to file them.

Members of the profession are kindly requested to keep an eye out for further communication from the Council in the coming days.

Perit André Pizzuto
President

*

https://kamratalperiti.org/cir-11-19-building-the-future-towards-a-renewed-profession/

https://kamratalperiti.org/cir-14-19-bro-forms/

https://kamratalperiti.org/cir-15-19-new-forms-for-use-prior-to-commencement-of-works-or-utilisation-of-planning-permit/

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DIR 01/23 | Development within UNESCO buffer zones of the megalithic temples in Malta

As professionals in the field of architecture and engineering, it is imperative that we approach the design and planning of development projects within the buffer zones of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with the utmost care and sensitivity. This Directive outlines the guidelines and standards to be followed in the planning and design of development within the buffer zones of megalithic temples in Malta.

This Directive sets out the limitations on the types of development that can be carried out within the buffer zones of megalithic temples in Malta and provides technical guidance on how to go about carrying out such projects in compliance with these guidelines.

 

  1. Limitations on Development:

In accordance with Article 3 (1) of the Periti Act (Cap. 622), which states that the practice of architecture and civil engineering is a regulated profession with the overriding need to protect public interest, particularly in relation to issues of public health and safety, protection of the environment, protection of cultural heritage, and structural integrity of buildings and structures, only development that is consistent with the purpose and intent of the buffer zones and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention may be carried out within the buffer zones designated for the megalithic temples.

 

 

  1. Limitations on Scale and Design:

Development within the buffer zones must be of a scale and design that is appropriate and compatible with the international architectural and cultural heritage value of the megalithic temples and their buffer zones. Members must ensure that the height, bulk, and massing of the development are in proportion to the surrounding environment and do not negatively impact the visual, physical, or environmental integrity of the site and the surrounding landscape.

 

The following types of development within the buffer zones of the megalithic temples in Malta would be considered by the Council to give rise to potential professional misconduct:

 

  • Development that would alter the physical, visual or environmental integrity of the megalithic temples, their buffer zones and surrounding landscape.
  • Development that would have a negative impact on the cultural or natural heritage value of the megalithic temples, their buffer zones and surrounding landscape.
  • Development that would alter the views or vistas of and from the megalithic temples, their buffer zones and surrounding landscape.

 

 

  1. Compliance with International Conservation Charters:

All development within the buffer zones of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malta must be carried out in compliance with the relevant international conservation charters, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Convention and the ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) charters, including the Venice Charter, the Burra Charter, and the Nara Document on Authenticity. These charters set forth principles and guidelines for the conservation of cultural heritage sites, including the use of materials, techniques, and designs that are consistent with the original character of the site.

 

 

  1. Adherence to Davos Baukultur Quality System:

The Davos Baukultur quality system is a set of standards and guidelines for the design and construction of development projects in cultural heritage contexts. All members must adhere to these standards when carrying out development within the buffer zones of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malta, to ensure that the development is of high quality and consistent with the principles of cultural heritage conservation and best international practice.

 

 

  1. Technical Guidance:

In accordance with the above principles, members must follow the following technical guidance when carrying out development within the buffer zones of megalithic temples in Malta:

 

a) Materials and Techniques:

Members must use materials and techniques that are compatible with the cultural and historical context of the site. This may include the use of traditional building methods and materials, such as local stone, as well as modern materials and techniques that are appropriate for the site.

 

b) Design and Scale:

Members must ensure that the scale, design and location of the development are compatible with the buffer zones and do not negatively impact the visual, physical or environmental integrity of the site and the surrounding landscape.

 

c) Archaeological Impact Assessment:

Members must carry out an archaeological impact assessment prior to submitting a planning application, to assess the potential impact of the development on the cultural heritage value of the megalithic temples and the buffer zones. The assessment should be included with the planning application.

 

d) Consultation with Heritage Authorities:

Members must consult with the relevant heritage authorities and organisations, such as the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and Heritage Malta, to ensure that the development proposal is also consistent with their heritage policies and guidelines.

 

e) Monitoring and Review:

Members must continuously monitor and review the development to ensure that it remains compliant with the relevant planning regulations, policies, and guidelines, and does not negatively impact the heritage value of the megalithic temples, their buffer zones and surrounding landscapes.

 

 

The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti takes the responsibility to ensure that all members of the profession act responsibly and ethically, having due regard for sustainable development practices, the protection of the national, cultural, social, and environmental heritage entrusted to it through the new Periti Act very seriously.

Members must follow these guidelines when designing and seeking planning permission for development within the buffer zones of the megalithic temples of Malta to ensure that our profession is associated with the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and sensitivity to the cultural heritage of our country.

 

Perit André Pizzuto
President

 

 

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DIR 08/22 | Tender on Property Valuations issued by CFR

The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti has been notified of a tender issued by the Commissioner for Revenue with reference SPD7/2021/081 named “SERVICES – FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT FOR THE PROVISION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OF PERITI TO PROVIDE VALUATIONS OF PROPERTIES TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR REVENUE (CFR)”.

The tender stipulates that “[v]aluations of properties is capped at a fixed fee of twenty-five Euro (€25.00) excluding VAT”. These are unacceptable terms, which undermine the scope of the due diligence and research necessary for the preparation of a valuation report, as well as underestimate the associated liabilities.

 

In view of the above, the Council is hereby instructing all Periti not to submit bids for this tender.

Failure to abide with this Directive will result in disciplinary action.

 

Perit André Pizzuto
President

 

 

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DIR 04/22 | Transfer of Commissions

Explanatory Note

The transfer of commissions, projects and tasks from one perit to another is generally a delicate and potentially complex transition which can give rise to a number of issues related to ethics, commercial interests, and intellectual property rights.

In 2009, the Council of the Kamra had, at the behest of the General Meeting, issued the Change of Perit Directive that sought to govern the transition from an ethical perspective. The focus at the time was not to stifle the possibility for the incoming periti from delivering their professional services and not to unduly harm clients who may be victims of vexatious requests for payments from outgoing periti. As a result, Directive 04/09 had stipulated that outgoing periti must hand over projects to the incoming perit even if there are outstanding payments due.

Over time, however, the original intentions of the 2009 directive were thwarted to the point where periti frequently ended up not getting paid for their services by their clients, who exploit the directive to move projects from one perit to another, sometimes more than once, to avoid paying for professional services.

This directive seeks to strike a fairer balance between the rights of periti to get paid, and the protection of clients from vexatious claims for payment.

It is important to underscore that the rights and obligations outlined below pertain exclusively to the realm of professional and ethical conduct, and do not overrule or substitute civil law. It is thus recommended that in exercising the professional rights enunciated below, periti seek legal advice to ensure they do not expose themselves to civil claims for damages.

Members of the profession are also notified that this Directive was vetted by the Kamra’s legal advisors.

 

Directive

 

The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti hereby gives notice to all members of the profession of this Directive governing the transfer of commissions, or engagements to provide professional services, from one perit (or partnership of periti) to another.

 

This Directive outlines the processes to be followed in such cases, as well as the relative rights and obligations of the periti involved, and matters relating to liability.

 

Directives DIR 04/09, DIR 03/19 and Circular CIR 02/09 are being hereby repealed.

 

 

1. PROCESSES

 

1.1 When a development application is still ongoing

When a commission is terminated during the processing of a planning application, the outgoing perit shall, in addition to the client and the Kamra, also notify the Planning Authority via eApps, requesting immediate suspension of the planning application process in terms of S.L. 552.13 reg 12 (1) to provide sufficient time for:

  • the client to identify another perit;
  • the outgoing and incoming periti (or partnership/s of periti) to satisfy their respective obligations as set out in this Directive;
  • the compilation and submission of any forms that may be prescribed by the Planning Authority.

 

1.2 When works are underway

When a commission is terminated after construction works have commenced, the outgoing perit shall, in addition to the client, also notify the Kamra tal-Periti, the Building & Construction Authority[1], the Planning Authority[2], and the Commissioner of Police[3], as well as the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage[4], where applicable, to ensure that no works proceed without the general supervision of a perit, and the necessary forms as may be prescribed by the Building & Construction Authority, Planning Authority, and any other relevant statutory bodies, are formally filed[5].

 

1.3 In all other cases

In all other cases where the statutory processes described above do not apply, the provisions in Sections 2 and 3 only shall be applicable.

 

 

2. RIGHTS & OBLIGATIONS OF THE OUTGOING PERIT

 

2.1 Right to refuse release

A perit may refuse to release a commission in the following circumstances:

a) if the termination is being initiated by the client in cases where the perit has issued legitimate instructions to safeguard public safety, structural integrity of buildings, the protection of cultural heritage and the environment, compliance with planning permit conditions, and/or adherence with laws, regulations, directives and codes.

 

b) if the perit has not been remunerated in accordance with the terms set out in a written agreement[6] with the client.

 

Provided that if any of the above circumstances exist, the perit shall immediately notify the Kamra providing details of such circumstances.

Provided further that once the outgoing perit has been remunerated, or a final decision is reached by a Court or other adjudicating body, the outgoing perit shall release the commission to the incoming perit and proceed with the handover in accordance with section 2.3.

Provided further that if no circumstances as described above exist, the perit shall not withhold the release of his commission unless otherwise authorised by the Council of the Kamra tal-Periti.

 

2.2 Obligation to notify

The outgoing perit shall in all circumstances, follow the processes set out in section 1 of this directive, as applicable.

Provided further that if the commission is being terminated by the outgoing perit, s/he shall keep a record of the relative written notification to the client of the termination.

 

2.3 Obligation to provide handover

Upon being notified in writing by the incoming perit that s/he was engaged by the client to take over the commission, the outgoing perit shall provide the incoming perit a full handover within a reasonable amount of time, which handover shall include information about the design, site conditions, site survey, the client brief governing the services s/he had hitherto provided, photographs of the works, instructions and reports about the works, communication with the various authorities until the time the original perit was still entrusted with the commission, and any other relevant information necessary to safeguard public safety, structural integrity of buildings, the protection of cultural heritage and the environment, compliance with planning permit conditions, and/or adherence with laws, regulations, directives and codes, as may be applicable depending on the nature of the commission.

Provided that such handover excludes the transfer of intellectual property belonging to the original perit, including any digital information such as CAD drawings, 3D models, and other similar data, unless agreed to by the outgoing perit at his/her discretion or as may have agreed in a prior written agreement between the outgoing perit and the client.[7]

Provided further that the outgoing perit may request payment for the transfer of his/her intellectual property, unless otherwise specified in a written agreement between the original perit and the client.

Provided further that the outgoing perit may request additional remuneration and/or termination fees from the client to provide a handover as long as this is already provided for in the written agreement.

 

3. RIGHTS & OBLIGATIONS OF THE INCOMING PERIT

 

3.1 Obligation to notify

Upon being approached by the client to take over the commission from another perit, the incoming perit shall notify in writing the outgoing perit of this requesting the initiation of the handover process.

 

3.2 Obligation to refrain from taking over a commission

A perit shall refrain from accepting to take over a commission originally commenced by another perit in the following circumstances:

 

a) If the original perit is being substituted for issuing legitimate instructions to a contactor to safeguard public safety, structural integrity of buildings, the protection of cultural heritage and the environment, compliance with planning permit conditions, and/or adherence with laws, regulations, directives and codes.

 

b) If the original perit has not been remunerated in accordance with the terms set out in a written agreement with the client.

Provided that if no such written agreement exists, the incoming perit will not be impeded from taking over the commission as long as other sections of this directive are followed.

 

c) If the incoming perit has not notified the original perit in writing and requested a comprehensive handover from the outgoing perit.

 

For the purposes of this Directive, taking over a commission shall include the submission of Change of Perit Forms, or other equivalent forms, to any authority. Incoming periti are prohibited from filing such forms.

The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti shall consider any actions by a perit to take over the commission of another perit before resolving such disputes as constituting “supplanting” in terms of Provision 4 of the Code of Professional Conduct.

Provided that an incoming perit shall not be impeded from taking over a commission, if the outgoing perit chooses to waive his/her rights outlined in section 2.1.

 

4. PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY WHEN TRANSFERRING COMMISSIONS

4.1 Under no circumstance shall a transfer of a commission constitute the transfer of liabilities between periti (or partnerships of periti).

4.2 The outgoing perit shall remain liable for the professional services s/he has completed until the date of the transfer becomes effective.

4.3 The incoming perit shall be liable for the professional services s/he provides from the date the transfer becomes effective onwards.

4.4 The handover information should be sufficiently detailed to clearly demarcate the liabilities of both outgoing and incoming periti, and is to include a clear indication of all services rendered and works erected by the effective termination date.

 

Perit André Pizzuto
President

 

[1] Notification to the BCA can be effected via eApps (Avoidance of Damage tab) or via email info@bca.org.mt

[2] Notification to the PA can be effected via eApps (Submit Correspondence tab)

[3] Notification to the Commissioner of Police can be effected via email on pulizija@gov.mt

[4] Notification to the SCH can be effected via email on monitoring.sch@gov.mt

[5] The PA’s Change of Perit form and the BCA’s Change of Responsibility form are to be submitted by the outgoing perit.

[6] For the purposes of this Directive, a written agreement, which can be in the form of a contract, letter of engagement, or quotation approval (including via email), shall include as a minimum:

  • confirmation that the client has accepted the perit’s offer to provide clearly specified services;
  • the remuneration the perit will receive from the client in exchange for the services agreed upon;
  • the date of such agreement.

[7] Periti are advised to refer to Directives DIR 01/15 and DIR 02/18 for further detail on intellectual property rights held by periti.

 

 

 

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DIR 01/21 | Default design assumptions in relation to Servitudes

The manner in which property-related servitudes (or easements) are created and extinguished is set out in Book Second – Part I – Title IV of the Civil Code, Cap 16. This section of the Law governs, among other things, the minimum distance of seventy-six centimetres (76cm) from the party wall dividing two tenements in respect of windows [Art. 443 (1)], balconies [Art. 443 (2)] and excavations [Art 439].

When designing new buildings or the extension or alteration of existing buildings, Periti are to assume that the third-party servitudes upon the design site have NOT been waived or otherwise extinguished, unless their client instructs otherwise in writing.

Provided that periti will not be held professionally liable if their client makes a false declaration or issues incorrect instructions in this respect.

Provided further that the term “design” shall include the preparation of architectural drawings, the preparation and submission of planning application drawings, and/or the preparation and issuance of construction drawings and other related documentation.

 

 

Perit André Pizzuto
President

 

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DIR 11/20 | COVID-19 Pandemic: Vulnerable Individuals & Site Inspections

Directive Repealed

See CIR 14/20

 

The Kamra tal-Periti is hereby giving notice to all members of the profession of a Directive that has been approved by the Council with regard to:

 

  • Periti considered as Vulnerable Individuals;
  • Third parties considered as vulnerable individuals; and
  • General provisions regarding site inspections and travel between the Islands.

Directives 08/20 and 09/20 are hereby repealed, and replaced by this Directive.

 

This Directive has been endorsed by the Superintendent of Public Health

 

1. Periti considered as Vulnerable Individuals

Note: This part of the Directive is practically identical to that previously covered by Directive 08/20, except for the new procedure in Point (iii) and some amendments to the notification forms.

 

Vulnerable individuals, as defined by Legal Notice 111 of 2020, are prohibited from leaving their residence except for certain essential needs.

In view of such restrictions, and until further notice, periti in the above categories are to immediately notify their clients of the restrictions imposed on them. In addition periti affected by these restrictions are to follow the procedures outlined below.

  1. For all works where the closure of the construction site[1] does not pose any risk of danger or damage to the site itself or adjacent third parties[2], immediately submit a Notification COVID-19 KTP-01 (Vulnerable persons)_no risk using the template provided.
  2. For all works where the closure of the construction site poses a risk of minor damage to the site and/or adjacent third parties, immediately submit a Notification COVID-19 KTP-02 using the template provided. In this case, the Developer[3] is to be notified to forward such Notification to all affected third parties. It is recommended that you advise the Developer and their appointed Contractor/s to also submit to their respective insurance providers.
  3. For works where the closure of the construction site poses a risk of significant damage to, and/or a risk to the structural stability of, the site and/or adjacent third parties, immediately submit a “Request for exemption from mandatory quarantine” from the Superintendent of Public Health, through this link. In the section titled “Applicant’s reason/s for request of exemption” state “as per enclosed declaration” and submit the form. Upon receving an acknowledgement, submit the Request for dispensation COVID-19 KTP 03_(Vulnerable persons)_risk to structural stability or significant damage using the template provided to covid19.sph.exemptions@gov.mt and to all the entities listed in the template. In this case, no works that require the direction of the perit are to proceed until the dispensation is issued from the Superintendent of Public Health, and thereafter works are to proceed strictly in accordance with the content of the request for dispensation. In this case, the Developer is to be notified to inform any affected third parties, and once dispensation is received the perit is to inform all the entities to whom the Request outlined above was submitted. Once the works for which dispensation has been granted are complete, the perit is to proceed in accordance with points 1 or 2 accordingly.
  4. For works outlined in point 3 above, and where the perit is minded to not request dispensation from the Superintendent in view of the overriding reasons of public health, the perit is to immediately contact the Kamra tal-Periti for further guidance, outlining the sites which pose concern and the proposed way forward accordingly.

With respect to the cases outlined in point 3 above, periti are also encouraged to contact the Kamra tal-Periti if they require any specific guidance depending on the nature of the works under way.

The relevant notices are to be issued on your letterhead and may be amended accordingly depending on the specific situation.

In addition, in all cases, the Project Supervisor should be notified so s/he may ensure that the site is sealed off to prevent access by unauthorised persons.

With respect to periti who live with people in these vulnerable groups, while there is currently no restriction on their gong out to work, it is advisable to prepare yourselves for such eventuality.

 

2. Third parties considered as vulnerable Individuals

Note: This part of the Directive is practically identical to that previously covered by Directive 09/20, except for the amended procedure in Point (iii) and some changes to the notification forms.

 

Vulnerable individuals, as defined in Legal Notice 111 of 2020, are prohibited from leaving their place of residence except for essential needs. In view of such restrictions, which are intended to safeguard the health of the persons concerned, the Kamra tal-Periti is hereby issuing the following Directives:

  1. Prior to carrying out any inspections for the purposes of preparing condition reports before the commencement of works or property valuations or any other reason which requires access to any property, periti are to ask their client to obtain a declaration from the owner of the property to be inspected as to whether or not the property is occupied by any person in the categories stated in the Legal Notice.
  2. No inspections for the purposes outlined above are to be undertaken under any circumstances if the property in question is occupied by persons in the categories listed in the Legal Notice.
  3. In the case of inspections that are required for the purposes of assessing potentially dangerous structures, either as a result of lack of maintenance or as a result of works underway on adjacent sites or any other reason whereby damage to the structure has been reported to the perit by the affected party, the perit is to request dispensation from the Superintendent of Public Health to carry out such inspection using the template Request for dispensation COVID-19 KTP 04_(Vulnerable persons)_inspections of property. The request is to be submitted to the Superintendent of Public Health on query.covid19@gov.mt, the Commissioner of Police, the Kamra tal-Periti, your Client and your Professional Indemnity Insurance provider, as well as others as you may deem appropriate.

 

No inspections are to be carried out until the relevant clearance is issued by the Superintendent of Public Health. Once such dispensation is received, the perit is to notify accordingly all the entities listed in the Request form, and is to proceed with the inspection accordingly.

 

3. General recommendations regarding site inspections and travel between the Islands

 

In all cases where inspections are required to be carried out in third party property, it is recommended that periti follow these precautions:

  • Request that not more than one person is present in the property during the inspection, whenever possible;
  • Request that all windows and doors (internal and external) are kept open to avoid having to touch surfaces;
  • Request that you are allowed to inspect the damaged area without interruptions to limit your presence within the property, and that a distance of 2m is maintained between you and the person showing you around;
  • Carry your own sanitiser spray or gel, and use it before entering and after leaving the property.

Legal Notice 112 of 2020 stipulates that “in public spaces, groups of more than three (3) persons are prohibited including in queues and bus stops …” Although construction sites are not regarded as “public spaces”, it is recommended that this measure is implemented also on construction sites.

With respect to travel between Malta and Gozo, it is to be noted that this is currently permitted for work-related reasons as per Legal Notice 118 of 2020. Travellers will be required to make a declaration to this effect upon embarcation.

The Kamra tal-Periti is currently working with the Superintendent of Public Health to issue more detailed guidelines regarding safety on construction sites at this time. These are planned to be concluded next week.

 

Perit Simone Vella Lenicker
President

 

[1] For the purposes of this Directive a “construction site” means any open site where ongoing works involve demolition, site clearance, excavation, construction, finishes and/or services, and which are being carried out under your direction;

[2] For the purposes of this Directive “adjacent third parties” means any third party and/or their property and includes private and/or public third parties as well as the general public;

[3] For the purposes of this Directive “developer” has the same meaning ascribed to it in Legal Notice 136 of 2019.

Notification COVID-19 KTP 01 (Vulnerable persons)_no risk
Notification COVID-19 KTP 02_(Vulnerable persons)_risk of minor damage
Request for dispensation COVID-19 KTP 03_(Vulnerable persons)_risk to structural stability or significant damage
Request for dispensation COVID-19 KTP 04_(Vulnerable persons)_inspections of property
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DIR 09/20 | COVID-19 Pandemic: Third parties considered as vulnerable Individuals & social distancing

Directive Repealed

See DIR 11/20

 

The Kamra tal-Periti is hereby giving notice to all members of the profession of a Directive that has been approved by the Council with regard to third parties considered as vulnerable individuals, as well as recommendations regarding social distancing on construction sites.

 

Third parties considered as vulnerable Individuals

Reference is made to Legal Notice 111 of 2020, which prohibits vulnerable individuals, as defined therein, from leaving their place of residence. In view of such restrictions, which are intended to safeguard the health of the persons concerned, the Kamra tal-Periti is hereby issuing the following Directives:

 

  1. Prior to carrying out any inspections for the purposes of preparing condition reports before the commencent of works or property valuations or any other reason which requires access to any property, periti are to ask their client to obtain a declaration from the owner of the property to be inspected as to whether or not the property is occupied by any person in the categories stated in the Legal Notice.

 

  1. No inspections for the purposes outlined above are to be undertaken under any circumstances if the property in question is occupied by persons in the categories listed in the Legal Notice.

 

  1. In the case of inspections that are required for the purposes of assessing potentially dangerous structures, either as a result of lack of maintenance or as a result of works underway on adjacent sites or any other reason whereby damage to the structure has been reported to the perit by the affected party, the perit is to request dispensation from the Superintendent of Public Health to carry out such inspection using the template Request for dispensation COVID-19 KTP 04_(Vulnerable persons)_inspections of property. The request is to be submitted to the Superintendent of Public Health, the Commissioner of Police, the Kamra tal-Periti, your Client and your Professional Indemnity Insurance provider, as well as others as you may deem appropriate. Contact details are inside template.

 

No inspections are to be carried out until the relevant clearance is issued by the Superintendent of Public Health.

 

Social distancing

Once clearance is received from the Superintendent of Public Health in terms of point 3 above,  it is recommended that periti follow these recommendations, which are also applicable for any inspections to be carried out in third party property:

 

  • Request that not more than one person is present in the property during the inspection, whenever possible
  • Request that all windows and doors (internal and external) are kept open to avoid having to touch surfaces
  • Request that you are allowed to inspect the damaged area without interruptions to limit your presence within the property, and that a distance of 2m is maintained between you and the person showing you around
  • Carry your own sanitiser spray or gel, and use it before entering and after leaving the property

 

The COVID-19 Bulletin 15 states that the Police “have the right to intervene on groups of more than 5 people, and disperse them in such a way as to leave 2 metres between each one of them.” It is recommended that this measure is implemented on construction sites, and that you forward the link to all concerned so as to be observed at all times.

 

Perit Simone Vella Lenicker

President

Request for dispensation COVID-19 KTP 04_(Vulnerable persons)_inspections of property

 

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DIR 08/20 | COVID-19 Pandemic: Periti within vulnerable groups // UPDATED

Directive Repealed

See DIR 11/20

 

UPDATED: 28/03/2020

On Thursday 26th March 2020, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Mr Chris Fearne gave notice of new restrictions that will be brought into force on Saturday 28th March 2020.

These measures were brought into force through Legal Notice 111 of 2020, and prohibit vulnerable individuals from leaving their place of residence, as outline therein.

These measures include an order prohibiting vulnerable individuals from leaving their place of residence. The list of vulnerable groups published in the COVID Bulletin Issue No 15 includes:

 

  • Are over 65 years old
  • Are pregnant
  • Suffer from chronic illness
  • Are insulin dependent diabetics
  • Are on biological medication
  • Had chemotherapy in the last six months
  • Are undergoing immunosuppression (eg. had a transplant or HIV treatment)
  • Are on renal dialysis
  • Have respiratory problems and needed treatment in the last year
  • Had cardiac problems in the last six months
  • Are on oral steroids

 

In addition, those who live with people in this category will have to observe the lockdown or find alternative accommodation.

In view of such restrictions, and until further notice, periti in the above categories, or who live with people in such categories, are to immediately notify their clients of the restrictions imposed on them. In addition periti affected by these restrictions, and who are not in a position to delegate their responsibilities, are to follow the procedures outlined below:

  1. For all works where the closure of the construction site[1] does not pose any risk of danger or damage to the site itself or adjacent third parties[2], immediately submit a Notification COVID-19 KTP-01 (Vulnerable persons)_no risk using the template provided.

 

  1. For all works where the closure of the construction site poses a risk of minor damage to the site and/or adjacent third parties, immediately submit a Notification COVID-19 KTP-02 using the template provided. In this case, the Developer[3] is to be notified to forward such Notification to all affected third parties. It is recommended that you advise the Developer and their appointed Contractor/s to also submit to their respective insurance providers.

 

  1. For works where the closure of the construction site poses a risk of significant damage to, and/or a risk to the structural stability of, the site and/or adjacent third parties, immediately submit a Request for dispensation COVID-19 KTP 03_(Vulnerable persons)_risk to structural stability or significant damage using the template provided. In this case, no works that require the direction of the perit are to proceed until the dispensation is issued from the Superintendent of Public Health, and thereafter works are to proceed strictly in accordance with the content of the request for dispensation. In this case, the Developer is to be notified to inform any affected third parties. Once the works for which dispensation has been granted are complete, the perit is to proceed in accordance with points 1 or 2 accordingly.

 

  1. For works outlined in point 3 above, and where the perit is minded to not request dispensation from the Superintendent in view of the overriding reasons of public health, the perit is to immediately contact the Kamra tal-Periti for further guidance, outlining the sites which pose concern and the proposed way forward accordingly. Reference is also made to Directive 07/20 in this regard.

 

With respect to the cases outlined in point 3 above, periti are also encouraged to contact the Kamra tal-Periti if they require any specific guidance depending on the nature of the works under way.

 

In all cases, the relevant Notices are to be submitted to the following:

 

Superintendent of Public Health:

sph.health@gov.mt

 

Building and Construction Agency:

Upload to eApps under the Avoidance of Damage to Third Parties tab

 

Planning Authority:

Upload to eApps under Correspondence

 

Commissioner of Police:

Via email to pulizija@gov.mt​

 

Local Council of the Locality:

Via email – refer to https://localgovernment.gov.mt/en/lc/Pages/Local-Councils-Landing-Page.aspx/

 

Kamra tal-Periti:

buildingregs@kamratalperiti.org

 

Your Professional Indemnity Insurance provider:

As applicable

 

Additionally to (as applicable):

Client and/or site owner/s; Mason; Contractor/s; Project Supervisor in terms of LN 88 of 2018; any appointed Consultants

 

The relevant notices are to be issued on your letterhead and may be amended accordingly depending on the specific situation.

 

In addition, in all cases, the Project Supervisor is to be specifically instructed to ensure that the site is sealed off to prevent access by unauthorised persons.

 

 

As at the time of issuance of this Directive, the relevant Legal Notice had not as yet been published by Government. In view of this, periti are requested to follow further notifications from the Kamra that may slightly alter or affect this Directive once the Legal Notice is published.

With respect to periti who live with people in these vulnerable groups, while there is currently no restriction on their gong out to work, it is advisable to prepare yourselves for such eventuality.

 

Perit Simone Vella Lenicker

President

Notification COVID-19 KTP 01 (Vulnerable persons)_no risk
Notification COVID-19 KTP 02_(Vulnerable persons)_risk of minor damage
Request for dispensation COVID-19 KTP 03_(Vulnerable persons)_risk to structural stability or significant damage

[1] For the purposes of this Directive a “construction site” means any open site where ongoing works involve demolition, site clearance, excavation, construction, finishes and/or services, and which are being carried out under your direction;

[2] For the purposes of this Directive “adjacent third parties” means any third party and/or their property and includes private and/or public third parties as well as the general public;

[3] For the purposes of this Directive “developer” has the same meaning ascribed to it in Legal Notice 136 of 2019.

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DIR 07/20 | Change of Perit in cases of compliance with Orders and Guidance issued by the Superintendent of Public Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Kamra tal-Periti is hereby giving notice to all members of the profession of a Directive that has been approved by the Council.

 

Periti are hereby authorised to refuse to sign a Change of Architect Form or to handover a project or assignment to another Perit in cases where they are following orders or guidance issued by the Superintendent of Public Health as part of the efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Maltese Islands and as a result of which the former Perit is in any way reasonably prevented, restricted, limited or delayed from fulfilling his/her professional obligations in part or in full.

The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti will consider any actions by another Perit to take over a project or assignment in such circumstances as constituting “supplanting” in terms of Provision 4 of the Code of Professional Conduct.

Periti are reminded that the Council of the Kamra tal-Periti is empowered to take appropriate action in terms of the Periti Act in case of breach of this Directive.

 

Perit Simone Vella Lenicker
President

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DIR 01/20 | Advertising and Marketing of Professional Services

 

The Kamra’s Directive 01/19 provides a brief background to the issue of advertising of professional services pursuant to the removal of Paragraph 3 of the Code of Professional Conduct in 2010, and to the requirements of Article 24(2) of the Services in the Internal Market Directive (2006/123/EC) which stipulates that:

“Member States shall ensure that commercial communications by the regulated professions comply with professional rules, in conformity with Community law, which relate, in particular, to the independence, dignity and integrity of the profession, as well as to professional secrecy, in a manner consistent with the specific nature of each profession. Professional rules on commercial communications must be non-discriminatory, justified by an overriding reason relating to the public interest and proportionate.”

Commercial communication may therefore be subject to compliance with professional rules concerning the independence, dignity and honour of the profession, professional secrecy and fairness towards clients and other members of that profession.

Since a prohibition to advertise a certain professional activity could restrict possibilities for professionals to make themselves known and to promote their services, it would constitute a restriction on the freedom to provide services. Professional rules therefore cannot impose a general and absolute prohibition of any form of advertising. Rather, a balance is to be sought between the objective of protecting the public and the profession itself, often the impetus behind such restrictions, with the rights of professionals to freely provide their services to the public.

All Warrant Holders authorised under the provisions of the Periti Act (Chapter 390 of the Laws of Malta) to provide architectural and engineering services shall abide by this Directive.

 

General Principles

  • Warrant Holders shall not communicate or promote or represent themselves or their professional services in a false or deceptive manner; nor shall they allow others to do so, whether or not acting on their behalf.
  • The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti will investigate alleged breaches in line with the afore-mentioned principles, and with the guidelines published concurrently with this Directive.
  • Any actions by Warrant Holders which are found to be in breach of this Directive will be considered as conduct which is discreditable to the profession, as provided for in the Periti Act.

 

Advertising Guidelines

 

 

Perit Simone Vella Lenicker

President

 

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