The Malta Developers Association (MDA) has welcomed in the most positive manner the news announced by Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg that laws on protection against fires in buildings are to be consolidated as part of the reform in the construction sector.

Speaking earlier at a seminar organized by the Chamber of Engineers, Minister Borg said that fragmented fire safety legislation will be consolidated as part of an upcoming building sector reform. Borg said the government was reviewing existing laws.

“As the Minister rightly said, the law on security against fires in buildings is currently sporadic and fragmented, and the MDA feels that this reform, which will enable the law to be strengthened in this area, is urgently needed,” MDA said.

“The Planning Authority at present requires a report on fire safety in places that are open to the public and in garage complexes, which are often below street level.

In the light of the recent incident in which a person suffocated in the common parts of a block of apartments, it is clear that even regulations on these apartment blocks, which consist of a number of separate residences and duplexes, are needed.

The MDA is prepared to co-operate with the Government on this issue by giving its advice in the drawing up of new regulations that will lead to the strengthening of precautions against the dangers of fires in buildings.”