Construction sector still treated with kids’ gloves, ADPD says

ADPD-The Green Party has called for stricter oversight of Malta’s construction industry, warning that repeated accidents show the sector is still being treated with “kids’ gloves”.

Speaking at a press conference in Paceville, deputy chairperson and election candidate Carmel Cacopardo referred to recent construction incidents, including the collapse of a building in Paceville last year and another case in Naxxar this week. While no one was injured in these cases, he noted that several other accidents in recent years had resulted in serious injuries and deaths.

Cacopardo said Malta remains the only European country without a national geological service, leaving major gaps in knowledge about the islands’ geology. He argued that the limited information left behind by the British military has never been properly updated.

ADPD is proposing the creation of a National Geological Service responsible for collecting and updating geological data and carrying out geological assessments according to international standards. The party also wants trained geologists to be formally recognised and warranted by the authorities.

Party chairperson Sandra Gauci stressed the need for continuous monitoring of buildings to ensure safety standards are maintained. She said authorities tend to react only after accidents occur instead of focusing on prevention.

ADPD is proposing the introduction of a “building passport” administered by the Building and Construction Authority. The passport would bring together all documentation related to a building, including development permits, construction reports and energy performance certificates, while being updated periodically to monitor the condition of properties over time.

Gauci said the system could initially apply to new buildings before gradually being extended to older properties across Malta and Gozo.

RSS Feed Source: Independent Malta Construction sector still treated with kids’ gloves, ADPD says