Introducing construction site management practices

Over 60 per cent of all permits issued by Mepa in 2006 were redevelopment projects. This is a direct result of the Structure Plan. One of the objectives of the Structure Plan was to limit that urban sprawl that was so rampant in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s and also to make more efficient use of land in already committed areas. The reduced availability of virgin land for development resulted in increased inconveniences for nearby residents.

We need to establish a balance which, on the one hand, permits this economic sector to operate while at the same time limiting inconvenience to adjacent areas and affording them the highest degree of protection. The ministry is issuing regulations on the environmental management of construction sites and is inviting the public to submit comments.

The scope of the new regulations is limited to the minimisation of the environmental impact that results from construction. They do not deal with construction site issues covered by other legislation or regulations. For example, third party issues are dealt with in the Civil Code. The revamping of building regulations is in the pipeline, this being the responsibility of the Building Construction Industry Department within the Ministry for Resources and the Infrastructure.

Developers will be required to appoint a site manager who will be responsible for the implementation of the new regulations and who shall be contactable 24 hours a day with a view to resolving any problems or inconveniences affecting neighbours. Moreover, information notices with details of the site manager and the architect will be displayed on site.

The regulations will be enforced by Mepa. Defaulters will be brought before the Local Tribunal and fined if found to be in default of the regulations. New personnel will be engaged through the redeployment of IPSL employees to act as environmental field inspectors.

Construction sites are usually associated with the generation of dust and debris. The cutting of stones shall be carried out either by equipment having dust extraction accessories or in enclosed spaces. Mechanical fair facing on sites will no longer be allowed. Public areas extending 10 metres from either side of the site are to be swept clean.

In order to further limit the generation of dust from construction activities, loose construction materials (like sand, aggregate etc) shall be transported and stored on site in covered rigid containers. This will ensure that the elements will not cause the dispersal of such building materials to neighbouring areas.

In order to improve the aesthetics of the sites themselves, hoarding that encloses the works will be introduced. Where the construction works extend beyond the site, a covered walkway shall be provided for pedestrian traffic. Such walkways will be adequately lit to ensure safety for passers-by and traffic.

As a further benefit to neighbouring communities, permissible hours of work are being set from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. with no work carried out on Sundays and public holidays.

Developers will be required to re-instate the pavement and the street if and where these have been damaged during construction. A bank guarantee is to be submitted by the developer. This will be used to re-instate the pavement and road in the eventuality that the developer fails to do so.

The regulations will be introduced in a phased manner. Initially, they will be applicable to large projects in Malta and Gozo and to areas with high development intensity (Marsalforn, Marsascala, Mellieha, Sliema, St Julians, St Paul's Bay and Swieqi). Their applicability will be extended to all projects and to all Malta and Gozo over a two-year time frame.

Let us together embark upon this journey with the maturity the subject deserves.

Mr Pullicino is Minister of Rural Affairs and the Environment.