Architects welcome government's commitment to reform Mepa

The Kamra tal-Periti (Chamber of Architects) has welcomed the government's commitment to undertake what it said were the necessary and much desired reforms to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa).

The chamber confirmed its agreement with the decision to give the reform process the importance it deserves by placing it under the direct stewardship of the Prime Minister in the light of his responsibility.

The chamber believes that the whole scope of the reform at Mepa should be driven by an ingrained desire and a steadfast commitment to ensure that the nation achieves quality and sustainability in the built and unbuilt environment.

The reform process should, therefore, form part of an overall process of institutional renewal based on a clear vision for the economic and social development of the nation. The proposals should be designed to deliver tangible and sustained results on three main objectives, the chamber said.

The first regards major improvements in the quality of the built and unbuilt (urban and rural) environment measured in terms of the social and environmental benefits that development provides to society and not merely the economic growth of particular sectors.

The second deals with a qualitative improvement in the level of service provided by the authority, measured not merely in terms of cases processed, but in terms of consistency, transparency and fairness.

The third proposal concerns the ability of the authority to enhance its human resources by attracting and retaining enough personnel of the right calibre and qualifications capable of providing a service of impartiality and excellence for the benefit of society as a whole.

The chamber submitted its policy paper on the Mepa reform to the Prime Minister last March, basing its recommendations on its vision for a more sustainable development of the environment.

The chamber also noted with satisfaction the ongoing consultation process being carried out by the government and Mepa with various sectors on the proposals being put forward, and assured the government of its continued support and commitment to be available for such discussions.