Chamber of Architects president Vincent Cassar was yesterday appointed chairman of the board of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa), replacing Austin Walker.

Mr Cassar, a veteran architect, has a long career in public service and held the position of permanent secretary in the Public Works Ministry between 2004 and 2008, after which he retired.

In a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister said Mr Cassar’s experience in the private and public sectors, his knowledge of sustainable development and his renowned “moderation” would help bring a change of direction to Mepa.

Mr Cassar will also be involved in the process of splitting the planning and environment functions of the authority, according to the Government’s electoral mandate.

The two vice-chairmen, Franco Montesin and Sandra Magro, who have established contracts by law, will continue with their mandate, the Government said.

Meanwhile, the Government decided to fast-track the appointment of an environmentalist representative to the board, which was meant to be in place after the authority was divided, and had asked environmental NGOs to submit a shortlist of people to be considered their representative.

The chosen representative was Alex Vella, a member of the Ramblers’ Association. To make up for the fact that the Mepa board has not met for the past two weeks, the new board will start meeting twice a week.

The rest of the board is composed as follows: Paul Apap Bologna (a director of an imports company), Charlo Camilleri (from the Agriculture Department), Victor Axiaq (a University professor), Ray Camilleri (from the Land Department), Veronique Dalli (a lawyer), Matthew Pace (a financial consultant), Timothy Gambin (a University lecturer), MP Joseph Sammut (representing the Government), Angele Zammit (a director of a foreign company in Malta) and Ivan Tabone (from Transport Malta).

The Opposition is yet to appoint its representative since it is holding its casual elections today.