The Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Employment, Jonathan Attard, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Architect Roderick Bonnici, were presented with a 3D model designed by a student at the Malta Visual and Performing Arts School.
The Building and Construction Authority will be launching an educational campaign featuring the mascot ‘Nestu n-Nemlu’. The mascot results from a collaboration between the Building and Construction Authority and the school.
Minister Attard spoke about the establishment of the BCA and how it has increased its resources to continue raising standards. He explained how decisions began to be made and the necessary reforms implemented. “From the establishment of a new Authority to investment in it, particularly in human resources, several changes have been implemented over the past few years. These include legislative amendments, the introduction of a 24-hour helpline for all matters relating to health, safety and construction, free professional assistance for those affected, the licensing of people working in the sector, and, in the coming days, a new financial assistance service for damage caused by construction.”
The Minister spoke about ongoing discussions with sector stakeholders. Among other things, he discussed work and collaboration with the Chamber of Architects on the National Building and Construction Code, another important step toward strengthening the sector's regulatory framework.
Dr Attard concluded by thanking the school’s management for this collaboration and congratulating all the students who participated, particularly the competition winner, Jamie Casha.
For his part, the winning student explained that when he first began thinking about the project, he had several ideas. However, he eventually chose the ant as an insect associated with strength, a quality also needed on construction sites. He linked the ant’s hands to the practical skills builders need to carry out their work with the various tools required.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Building and Construction Authority, Architect Roderick Bonnici, spoke about the various careers and trades within the construction sector. He explained that the mascot ‘Nestu n-Nemlu’ aims to promote these careers among children and educate the public about various aspects of the construction industry. He reiterated that the mascot is expected to increase appreciation for construction workers.
The Head of the Malta Visual and Performing Arts School, Dame Marita Abdilla Bezzina, said the collaboration brought together two ministries with unrelated areas of responsibility, yet worked toward a common educational goal. She also thanked the BCA for donating a 3D printer to the school, which will help students with their studies and projects.
For his part, Thomas Moore College Principal George Psaila reiterated the College's and the Building and Construction Authority's commitment to various collaborative initiatives. In addition to the collaboration involving ‘Nestu n-Nemlu’, he mentioned another initiative through which the Authority is supporting the ALP+ program, designed for students who choose a vocational career path.
The event was also attended by the Chairman of the BCA Board, Architect Simon Saliba, other Authority representatives, teachers, and parents of the participating students.
