A law to regulate the management of industrial zones, whether public or not, has been drafted and is up for consultation before going to Cabinet.

It would establish the mechanism of a service charge for such areas, which would go into the maintenance of facilities, said Malta Enterprise CEO Alan Camilleri.

It was “too early to explain in detail” how the service charge would work, he said, adding that talks with the business communities in Malta and Gozo were under way.

The law would also establish Malta Industrial Parks’ power to set and enforce policies and make it responsible for the common areas of the zones.

The issue of industrial estates and the safety measures within them surfaced after a detergents factory in Mrieħel caught fire earlier this month and the lack of a hydrant system, which provides access to water, was raised.

The system would, eventually, be regulated through the specific law, Mr Camilleri said. Although Malta Enterprise does not administer the Mrieħel area, he acceded that the system was “essential” for proper estate governance in view of the investments, tenants and workers involved.

Of the 13 industrial zones it administers, Bulebel was equipped with fire hydrants, which were also being installed in Ħal Far, while the upgrading of other industrial areas should incorporate them too, he said.

However, Mr Camilleri said it was useless to have the system without a service agreement with the Civil Protection Department, which would ensure it was maintained and worked but proved to be a struggle to achieve. The system required maintenance and proper protocols such as fire drills to ensure it worked, he said, adding this required resources and time.