Malta’s small size makes the role of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority even more important, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday.

Dr Gonzi was speaking during a courtesy visit the Mepa board and a number of senior officials paid to the Prime Minister.

Mepa plays a key role, he said. It is one of the most important authorities since its work ties in with economic and environmental development.

Both areas, along with education, form part of the government’s three legged plan for Malta’s socio-economic development, he added.

Early last year an audit exercise was launched within the authority with the aim of making the organisation ever more efficient. Dr Gonzi said he hopes the process will come to an end soon. The project will then be extended to the remaining government departments and authorities.

There has already been an improvement registered, Dr Gonzi pointed out, especially with the number of applications processed. However, as always, there is more to be done, he added.

Mepa chairman Andrew Calleja said he was grateful for the trust the government had always shown in the organisation.

Mepa has a number of challenges ahead and must have the necessary resources to tackle these challenges but as always the authority’s employees will look upon these challenges with optimism.