The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti wishes to inform the public that two days ago it opened investigations into the widely-reported incidents that occurred in Sliema and Bulebel constructions sites. This is standard procedure for the Council, which has decided to disclose the opening of these investigations due to the public interest that has arisen around these particular cases.
The purpose of the investigations is to establish whether there were any professional short-comings by warrant holders involved in the projects.
It is pertinent to underscore that the opening of an investigation should not be construed to constitute findings of malpractice.
Earlier today Minister Jonathan Attard formally appointed the Kamra tal-Periti as its lead consultant in the drafting of the National Building and Construction Codes of Malta.
This is a historic milestone for the Kamra, after having campaigning incessantly for the implementation of its A Modern Building and Construction Regulation Framework for Maltafirst published in draft form in 2019, during the rapid succession of building collapses in various towns of Malta.
Through today’s agreement, the public sector and the industry stakeholders will be brought together to work towards a shared objective – that of implementing the recommendations regarding the building and construction codes outlined in the Sofia public inquiry report and adopting European standards and best practices over a period of three years.
The formation of the National Building Council, which brought together the two principal industry stakeholders, KTP and MDA, brought with it a spirit of ambition and determination to turn a page as quickly as possible on the negative perception the industry carries and shoulder responsibility for driving the necessary change forward.
The Kamra is honoured to have earned the trust of the Government and the industry stakeholders in taking the lead on such an important and delicate task. It is committed to living up to the expectations that are being placed on it.
https://kamratalperiti.org/wp-content/uploads/CLF_3949-copy.jpg14222048Kamra tal-Peritihttps://kamratalperiti.org/wp-content/uploads/logo-3-300x159.pngKamra tal-Periti2025-02-28 17:18:372025-02-28 19:51:09PR 02/25 | A historic achievement for the Kamra and the profession
The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti welcomes the publication of draft regulations which at long last initiate the formal process to address the anomaly that had been created through L.N.263 of 2023. The Council had called for this error to be fixed within days from its publication, issuing a number of press releases on the matter[1],[2] and holding various meetings with various Ministers and the Planning Authority officials to bring this situation to an end, particularly in view of the grave risks it had posed to construction sites with ongoing works that were unfairly excluded from previous permit extensions.
With the eventual coming into force of this draft legal notice, the grave injustice, and frankly regulatory discrimination, suffered by over 8,700 permit holders has been finally made good.
The Kamra tal-Periti looks forward to initiating discussions with the Planning Authority on addressing several other regulatory and procedural issues causing unnecessary burdens on the average citizen, treating them with the same brush as major developers.
The Kamra tal-Periti notes with pleasure the increased budget allocation to the Building and Construction Authority and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority from €6.3 million to €7.5 million and €2 million to €2.7 million, respectively. This augurs well particularly as the rate of reform in these regulators continues to gather pace, and as the various recommendations in the Sofia public inquiry report are gradually implemented.
The Kamra tal-Periti is, however, particularly thrilled that its request for a budget allocation to fulfil its statutory functions as outlined in the Periti Act has finally been accepted. These statutory functions include:
Conducting inquiries into any charge of professional misconduct or malpractice or abuse or failures made by or against any warrant holder in connection with the exercise of his profession or in connection with professional matters;
Issuing Certificates to Practise to warrant holders who meet the minimum obligatory CPD requirements and mandatory professional indemnity insurance requirements;
Issuing an official professional stamp and digital stamp to warrant holders;
Organise the elections of the Periti Warranting Board;
Regulate the profession by setting standards and codes of practice;
Acting as an official consultant to the State on the formulation of public policy related to the built environment;
Ensuring 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, the upholding of public health and safety and structural integrity before, during and after construction processes, and the adherence to the Code of Professional Conduct, as may be prescribed by regulation.
The Kamra, which was set up in 1920, had been advocating for the allocation of a budget to fulfil its functions for decades. This is the first time that it shall receive a budget allocation amounting to €150,000 which it will dedicate to raising the quality of the services KTP and the profession provides to the public.
The Kamra tal-Periti vouches to make the best use of these public funds to uphold standards and the public good, and to ensure that we do indeed live in a country where high quality prevails.
These remarks came after a “four-day celebration of the profession” during which twenty different architectural firms and public entities presented their projects to an international jury in public presentations. The event, which was held under the Distinguished Patronage of the President of the Republic of Malta, reached its climax on Saturday evening when the winners of the various categories were announced.
Pizzuto spoke about the “magic and power of good architecture” and how the difficulties faced by architects in Malta are more accentuated than in other parts of the world due to the very high population density raising the theme of over-development as a primary concern of the general public. Many finalists of the Premju Galizia were indeed focused on overcoming and addressing the theme of overdevelopment, demonstrating that the profession “is not only sensitive to this theme, but has actively pursued solutions to address this problem”.
He called on the Government to take ownership of the degradation of public space and recognise the impact this is having on well-being.
He was particularly critical of “public relations schemes” announced by Infrastructure Malta, which like the “predictable debacle of Project Green’s green walls” before, will only result in a waste of more public funds that will leave no tangible community benefits in the long-term.
Pizzuto also called on the Government to take heed of the public’s strong desire for the implementation the Msida Park project it had proposed in June to avoid the public’s resentment for what could have been. “It is never too late to do what is right,” Pizzuto remarked.
Pizzuto concluded by stating he is, however, optimistic for the future of the profession and the industry, pointing to fruitful and frequent meetings with various Ministers and senior public officials over recent months which he believes will result in higher standards in the industry and the elimination of unnecessary bureaucracy.
The KTP president also looked forward to the evening’s budget in the hope that the various proposals the chamber had been made over recent months will place the profession on a sounder footing and begin to restore the reputation of the construction industry.
The Kamra tal-Periti also gave an award for Architecture Leadership to Paul Buttiġieġ, Mayor of Qala for his unrelenting efforts to safeguard Ħondoq ir-Rummien from unsustainable speculative development.
Perit David Felice was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for the legacy his work has left on Malta’s built environment through the work he has done through his firm AP Valletta, his role as former president of the Kamra tal-Periti, as well as his chairmanship of V18.
The ultimate prize of the evening, awarded to the best overall project among the finalists – the President’s Award – was given to NIDUM for their project a City of a 1000 Gardens which envisions the transformation of Marsascala into a sustainable seaside village immersed in parks and gardens.
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The President spoke about the impressive legacy Galizia has left on the country, with his work in the public and private sectors becoming landmarks of national importance, describing him as “a pioneer of the industry” and “the forefather of the modern perit”.
The impacts of industrial and technological development on the global environment posting threats to life and health, and to nature itself, was marked as a significant concern of the President. To this end, she emphasised the important of taking a holistic approach to development, to ensure that “people’s lives are not negatively affected” in particular mental health.
The President praised the Kamra tal-Periti’s efforts in maintaining discipline within the profession especially after recent tragic happenings. She also commended the Kamra for establishing the National Building Council with the Malta Development Association which she views as “a concrete way to instil the need for positive change in the mindset of those operating in the development industry”.
Her Excellency concluded her speech by stating that “[t]he Kamra tal-Periti has proved itself a guiding beacon in the development of high standards for the architectural profession, and these awards illustrate this in a very tangible way.” She concluded by thanking all the Premju Galizia finalists for their contribution to Maltese society.
KTP President Andre Pizzuto thanked the President of the Republic for the glowing review she has given the Kamra for the work it has been undertaking, and also for her incessant and generous support in promoting the Kamra’s positive agenda through the various branches of the State.
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Perit Dr Jeanette Muñoz Abela has been elected Vice-President of the European Council of Civil Engineers (ECCE), bringing her extensive experience and leadership to this European institution. Dr Muñoz Abela, who currently serves as Chairperson of the Permanent Committee on Engineering within Kamra tal-Periti and has previously held the role of Vice-President of the Kamra, will continue to represent the voice of civil engineers at a European level, now as Vice-President.
Dr Muñoz Abela commented, “It is an honour to be elected as Vice-President of ECCE, an organisation that has consistently championed the civil engineering profession across Europe since 1985. As civil engineers, we are at a pivotal moment where our expertise in sustainable solutions and innovation is crucial in addressing challenges like the climate crisis and advancements in artificial intelligence.”
Her election not only underscores her individual contributions but also highlights Kamra tal-Periti’s ongoing role in shaping the profession both locally and internationally. The appointment brings valuable insights and influence to Malta’s civil engineering community, fostering stronger connections between national and European engineering bodies.
Dr Muñoz Abela will be collaborating with ECCE President, Platonas Stylianou, and the executive board to advance several initiatives, including a common training framework for easier mobility of engineers within Europe and the upcoming 2025 publication of the Civil Professional Book, which will outline the profession’s contributions across the continent.
ECCE is also focusing on digitisation within the construction industry, with a position paper addressing Building Information Modelling (BIM) and artificial intelligence in progress. As ECCE nears its 40th anniversary, it continues to work closely with universities and industry leaders to ensure the profession evolves in response to emerging challenges.
https://kamratalperiti.org/wp-content/uploads/JMA_ECCE_VP.jpg10801921Joeaby Vassallohttps://kamratalperiti.org/wp-content/uploads/logo-3-300x159.pngJoeaby Vassallo2024-10-14 19:23:052024-10-14 19:23:05PR 10/24 | Perit Dr Jeanette Muñoz Abela Elected Vice-President of ECCE
