The new quarters of the European Parliament Office and the European Commission Representation in Malta (Dar l-Ewropa, in St Paul's Street, Valletta) was officially opened on November 8.

If one were to just look at the main entrance of this magnificent 17th century building, one would definitely not be in a position to realise what went on inside these premises from the day it was officially handed over to CM&A joint venture, who were responsible for all the works, until the premises were handed over to the clients, 12 months later and on schedule.

I had personally been entrusted by CM&A Joint Venture to carry out project management of the entire works. I feel proud to learn that "the house was deemed to be the least expensive" but reputedly the most beautiful, by Julian Vassallo, head of the EP Office in Malta.

It has become very normal to read and hear of some building and civil engineering contractors referred to as the "cowboys" in this trade.

This was by far not the case with the joint venture, which carried out the works to the entire satisfaction of its clients, dead on time and without any inconvenience caused to the public. In other words, in a professional way.

When the premises were handed over to the joint venture, most of the areas were in a dangerous state. All health and safety precautions were put in place immediately and as a result of continuous cooperation from the main contractors, that of their subcontractors and their workforce on site, the works were completed without having to register one single accident. I admit that sometimes it was not that easy for me to persuade all the workers on site to fully adhere to all the H&S regulations, but it did not take long before they all realised that "zero tolerance" was in force.

One would be doing a disservice to the main contractors who were involved in transforming these premises into one of the most beautiful professionally-restored 17th century buildings.

Camray Co. Ltd of Kordin Industrial Estate, being the head of the joint venture, was responsible for the demolition, alterations and all restoration works, concrete and masonry works, structural and carcassing works; surface finishes; roofer linings, sheathing and dry partitioning; part of the furniture; equipment and external works.

Aluserv Ltd of Mrieħel was responsible for the restoration of some of the existing timber doors, windows and metal works, the fabrication of all new timber doors and windows; aluminium apertures to the new developed annex; steel walkways; bridge and balustrades; demountable partitions; roof lights and security access systems.

Megaline (M&E) Ltd of Qormi, was entrusted with all the electrical installations; ELV and security systems; air conditioning and ventilation; pipes supply system, vertical transport including platform stair lifts; fire fighting equipment and stand-by generators.

All the works were designed and supervised by architect and civil engineer Martin Farrugia who spared no time in going through every minor detail which helped all contractors in no small way.

All works were measured by rpa consultants, quantity surveyors, contract and cost consultants.

Congratulations to all.