‘Absolute majority’ of contractors in construction have applied to operate with a license, Prime Minister says
The absolute majority of contractors working in the country’s construction sector have applied for a license to operate, Prime Minister Robert Abela said during a pre-Budget consultation meeting with the Malta Developers Association (MDA).
A Government statement read that Abela, at Castille, expressed satisfaction with this development, further confirming “Government’s success in the reforms it is implementing, particularly in this sector.”
In his address before continuing consultation and listening to the MDA delegation’s ideas, Abela said that the sector is now facing new realities and needs, many of which have been driven by the economic success that the country has achieved in recent years.
Abela said that the Government will continue to aim for economic success, but in a smarter way that leads to a better quality of life, while addressing the new realities of the country.
Apart from the introduction of contractor licenses, Abela outlined several initiatives which the statement said reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to addressing the needs of the construction sector.
Among them, he mentioned the revolutionary Occupational Health & Safety Authority law, which had passed through Parliament before it adjourned for the summer.
Abela noted that while this will increase enforcement, it will also lead to higher standards in the sector and greater protection for workers.
He also spoke of the importance of giving a stronger voice to those affected by construction, which led to the establishment of the 138 hotline, along with the service of legal and technical advice and assistance to people affected by development happening near their residences.
Present for this consultation meeting were Ministers, Clint Camilleri, Byron Camilleri and Jonathan Attard, Parliamentary Secretaries, Andy Ellul and Omar Farrugia, PL MP Chris Agius, and the Head of the Secretariat in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mark Mallia.