The GRTU Chamber of Small Enterprise has called for a clearer definition of the functions of the new policy unit that will be set up within the Office of the Prime Minister.
GRTU Director-General Vince Farrugia said today that it was imperative to have a clear demarcation line, established in the law, between the functions of this unit and that of Mepa.
"We need to know on what basis decisions are taken and ensure that they are based on research rather than whims," he said during a press conference. He also insisted that this unit has to be chaired by a qualified person.
In terms of the reform, Mepa would no longer be responsible for transport planning, mineral resources, climate change issues and the management of construction sites.
Mr Farrugia said the GRTU is also calling for more clear timelines which the authority would be bound to adhere to when considering development applications since entrepreneurs were the ones paying for delays.
Moreover, Mepa had to be made liable for its mistakes and applicants who suffered delays in procedures because of failures in the system should be compensated.
Mr Farrugia said the GRTU agreed with the setting up of two Development Control Commissions manned by competent professionals who are well remunerated. The staff must also be provided with continual training.
He said that although the chamber was in favour of a zero-tolerance approach to development on Outside Development Zones, it wanted a new approach on the use of such land for business that would generate jobs.
The chamber, Mr Farrugia said, disagreed that applicants should pay all fees up front. The fees should be staggered through the development process, he insisted. It also disagrees that the developer should be responsible for fixing and maintenance of the site notice, which should remain the responsibility of the Mepa contractor, together with the responsibility to notify neighbours of proposed development.
GOVERNMENT REACTION
The government in a reaction said it welcomed the GRTU’s support for the setting up of two (Environment and Planning Commissions. It pointed out that applications for the positions of chairmen and members have already been advertised in the press.
It added that the government was committed to revising existing policy on ODZ and would welcome suggestions from all interested parties as to what strategic direction should be given to MEPA in formulating such policy. T
The government was also considering ways and means of alleviating the cashflow burden on applicants by introducing a staggered payment system of the application fees, a proposal which was already put forward in the National Conference by Government in response to the GRTU’s suggestion during the consultation period.
The same also applied to the proposal to place the responsibility for the fixing of the site notice on the applicant and the distribution of notification letters to be absorbed by MEPA.
"The Government will set up a strategic development unit within OPM, aimed at establishing the strategic direction which has always been Government’s responsibility. Moreover, this Unit will be responsible for a holistic development covering all sectors, and not only planning and environment.The fact that government will be strengthening its resources in this regard does not imply that MEPA will be losing any of its role in the drafting and implementation of environmental and planning policy. On the contrary, MEPA will continue to have a leading role in the formulation process of these policies, as well as in the consultation processes leading to them.The strategic direction will be set by Government on the basis of the needs of the country which will be complemented by suggestions received from consultations with stakeholders and the public with a view towards ensuring the sustainable development of the Maltese Islands," the government said.