'Bill regulates conflicts of interest'

The Building Regulation Bill ensures that conflicting interests which building and construction brings with it would be regulated, Nationalist MP Ċensu Galea told Parliament yesterday. It also regulated the position of those undertaking construction work after they have obtained the relative development permits.

Mr Galea emphasised that the responsibilities of all those involved in construction and building were to be adequately addressed so as to ensure that dangers to workers, third parties and future residents are minimised. The Bill did not allow the taking of unnecessary risks.

Building and construction workers were also responsible to follow safety regulations and procedures so as to minimise danger to themselves and to others. Despite regulations currently in force, workers were still disregarding safety procedures, as evidenced by pictures in the press.

It was nigh impossible to do away with tragedies on construction sites. However, the Bill sought to continue to restrict such accidents. In this regard, architects, engineers, contractors, construction workers and all those involved in building were to shoulder their responsibility.

Mr Galea referred to buildings that have been developed on clay, without adequate foundations, on rock fissures and other unsafe ground. He insisted on the importance of the observance of the rule of civil law which demanded that excavation for new developments did not take place within 75 cms from the dividing line.

He also cautioned that there were more buildings which were built contrary to safety and where the stability of the building was jeopardised. Protection against this type of building and construction was required.

He also spoke of the need to ensure stability for existing buildings in instances where their airspace was being developed. Third party rights needed to be protected in practice and not only on paper.

While agreeing with Mr Mugliett that it was important to identify the body that would be registering contractors and builders, Mr Galea insisted that registration was needed. This, he said, ensured that those working in the sector were trained, thus ensuring good workmanship and safety.

Training was required for those youngsters and foreigners who enter the industry to ensure that work was carried out well and safely. Training would not diminish the possibilities of employment in the industry but would strengthen the industry and guarantee their livelihood.

Those installing services and equipment in multi-storey buildings were also to be responsible in ensuring that such services, such as lifts, were adequate for the demands of the residents.

Mr Galea agreed with Minister Pullicino that the price control legislation in building and construction no longer made sense in today's situation where the building and construction industry now offered competition.

The Bill was important as it would address and identify the responsibilities of stakeholders. This ensured that responsibilities are clearly identified and shouldered by those upon whom they rested. However Mr Galea said that good implementation was required to ensured that the standards being set by the Bill were secured.