Malta Beefs Up License Rules For Cowboy Construction Industry
Malta’s cowboy construction industry will face some new rules of operation after a legal notice for licensing of contractors came into force today.
Every contractor who works in demolition, excavation and building must apply for a license with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), as of Monday, in order to continue operating.
Those who do not apply by 31st October will not be able to continue this kind of work, while anyone applying after 1st November will have to wait until the Licensing Committee screens and issues a provisional approval of their application, which takes up to 60 days until the actual license is issued.
No provisional licenses will be issued in 2025.
The new rules impose several conditions, including the need for a valid insurance policy to cover any loss or damage to third parties, and several penalties for those in breach of any licensing obligations.
The penalties vary from imprisonment of a maximum of six months to administrative penalties that can reach €50,000 and further fines up to a maximum of €5,000 per day.
In a new conference today, Planning Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi explained that these were the first tangible moves towards regulating the industry via a licensing system.
Contractors will have to complete specialised courses and demonstrate a track record of jobs carried out in line with the rules. These rules, the minister added, will allow authorities to have a list of contractors, allowing them to better hold people accountable.
Licensing can be applied for online here.
Do you think these new rules can make a difference to the industry?
READ NEXT: 'Magistrate Did Not Request Extension For Jean Paul Sofia’s Inquiry', Jason Azzopardi and Mark Camilleri Allege
