New construction laws require masons to renew licence every two years, BCA able to revoke them
Newly introduced construction reforms will require masons to renew their licence to practice every two years, and will also give the Building and Construction Authority the power to revoke those licences.The chairman of a newly established masons&rsq
Newly introduced construction reforms will require masons to renew their licence to practice every two years, and will also give the Building and Construction Authority the power to revoke those licences.
The chairman of a newly established masons’ licence committee within the BCA Godwin Agius told media on Wednesday that the Building Construction Authority now has the ability to provide and revoke masons’ licences or temporarily suspend them.
Agius continued that this would allow for more effective regulation of the construction sector and that another major change would be that the licence for contractors would now be given with specific conditions. He said that the BCA has the right to take the necessary steps to deal with infractions if such conditions are violated. He added that the conditions may not be specifically defined for all cases, but that the authority has the ability to set specific conditions according to the ongoings of the sector.
Regarding the upkeep of stipulated conditions and the monitoring for infractions, Agius said that inspections would be carried out daily to ensure that regulations and conditions are being adhered to.
Speaking at a media briefing, Justice and Construction Reform Minister Jonathan Attard said that this initiative confirms the government’s commitment to the sector, adding that it is acting on the recommendations of the Sofia inquiry. He said that a public consultation for this reform was opened a year ago and that the feedback was taken on board throughout this process, including consultation from industry stakeholders.
Attard said that this change is a significant reform in the law, as the sector was previously regulated by police laws which needed to be reformed. He continued that through these regulations, the government is in the process of consolidating the laws related to the sector in a way which will allow for more efficient enforcement and a better understanding of the law for those subject to it.
Speaking about the newly established committee, Attard said that the function of the committee will not only be that of an examiner giving licences, but it will also handle other wider responsibilities such as maintaining a registry of masons and making recommendations for legislation and policies relevant to the sector.
BCA CEO Roderick Bonnici said that the purpose of these new regulations is first and foremost to substitute the two articles found in the police code of laws, which establish the masons’ profession and define who has the ability to produce the relevant licence. He continued that the purpose of these regulations is to no longer have laws that are spread out, but rather have everything relevant to the sector be found in one area.
Bonnici said that this regulation will provide a legal structure which defines masons and their responsibilities while also establishing the aforementioned committee responsible for handling the licences. It also establishes the structure of obligations and duties that this committee will operate under as well as establishing the procedure of how one shall go about applying for and renewing their licence.
Detailing the makeup of the committee, Bonnici said that it will have a term of three years and be composed of not less than five members and not more than thirteen. These members should have an expert understanding of situations related to the building and construction industry, as well as legal matters or other subjects related to the industry.
Regarding valid licences which have been given out under the police codes and will be expiring this year, Bonnici said that these licences will remain valid until the 31st of December 2024, and that an application for renewal needs to be submitted by that date. He added that the committee has the ability to subject these applicants to an examination process.
The BCA has the right to request licenced masons and those renewing their licences to attend training regarding new practices and updated regulations in order to certify that the applicants are capable of performing the work covered by the licence, the BCA said. Bonnici added that there are currently 1,700 licenced masons.
New 138 helpline received 70 calls since launching on Monday
During the conference, Minister Attard said that the newly established 138 helpline had received 70 calls since launching this Monday.
The helpline was given the number 138 in memory of Jean Paul Sofia’s birthday on 13th August. Sofia had tragically died in a construction collapse in 2022.
The helpline is intended to deal with all matters related to construction safety. It is meant to serve as a 24/7 reference point for all matters related to the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OSHA) and the BCA.
Attard said that this is the beginning of a necessary and effective service. He added that a promotional campaign tied to the helpline will increase awareness of the service. He said that the service will be strengthened as it forms part of a reformative process.
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