Advanced work on the first Building Codes, with public consultation expected in the coming months
Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Employment Jonathan Attard visited and addressed an exhibition organised by SACES, the student organisation representing Architecture students within the Faculty for the Built Environment.
Minister Attard said that it is encouraging that the Ministry, as well as the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), collaborate with and support these students in organising this Annual Expo showcasing their best work.
“This Expo is being held at an important time for the sector, as the initial work related to the first Building Codes is now being concluded. This is an important development for the sector and will certainly make a difference on the sector," Minister Attard announced, while speaking about the ongoing dialogue with the Kamra tal-Periti and various other stakeholders in the sector.
Minister Attard outlined a wide-ranging programme of reforms introduced in recent years to raise standards across Malta's construction sector. Among other things, he spoke about new Health and Safety regulations for construction sites, stronger enforcement, including through an agreement between OHSA and the BCA concerning joint inspections, the licensing of builders and contractors, and the ongoing work to ensure that, in the coming months, every worker in the sector will have a Skills Card.
“During the first 100 days, we also committed ourselves to reforming the Planning Appeals system, as well as launching a new financial assistance service for those affected by construction. I encourage not only professionals in the sector, but also students, to participate in the public consultations that will be held on further reforms in the sector. This is because these reforms will determine how the sector will operate in the period ahead," Minister Attard stressed.
The Chief Executive Officer of the BCA, Perit Roderick Bonnici, spoke about the Authority's commitment to supporting students, both in their studies and through initiatives such as the Expo, which this year is being hosted at the Authority's offices.
SACES President Rui Zammit thanked the students, both those whose work is being exhibited and other students, for their work throughout these years.
For his part, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Marc Bonello, said that he was truly proud that the students had once again, for another year, organised an exhibition showcasing their work throughout the year across three different courses: the Diploma in Design Foundation Studies, the BSc in Built Environment Studies, and the Master of Engineering and Master in Architecture. He stressed that the exhibition demonstrates a wide spectrum of projects and encouraged the public to visit and view this work in the coming days.
Around 100 Architecture students were present for the opening of the exhibition, accompanied by parents and loved ones who have supported them throughout their educational journey.
The exhibition will remain open to the public until Friday, 16 October, at the BCA building at Spencer Hill, The Exchange, Marsa. For more information, visit SACES' official social media pages or the website sacesmalta.com.
