Parliamentary Secretary for Planning Deborah Schembri has officially launched the Planning Authority following the dismantling of MEPA and the creation of two entities, one which will focus on the environment and one for planning.

The launch was held this morning at the Planning Authority's Foyer in Floriana. Dr Schembri said that when she was told to become Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, she decided to take this challenge positively.

"I sat that this was going to be a process of change that I would like very much to be involved in," she said while describing the MEPA demerger as a change in the essence of the authority.

She called on MEPA employees to work hand in hand to make this change smoother.

"We did our part politically, now it is up to you to give your best and provide the best possible service to the public," she told those present.

Dr Schembri said she hopes that the public begins to understand the valuable work that the authority does and that the public would eliminate the stigma which clouded their view of MEPA.

"We have a moral obligation towards those that will come after us," she added.

Executive Chairperson of the Authority, Johann Buttigieg said that the two most common descriptions for MEPA were bureaucracy and inefficiency.

"We want this reform to take flight beyond how it is described on paper," he added while explaining that the authority will also launch a series of initiatives to simplify the process.

He said that for the first time, the authority is committed to fine itself if it does not deliver as promised.

"We obliged to take decision very seriously and in the most efficient of manners."

He also announced that Dr David Mallia will be chairing the Design Committee within the Authority.

€1 million were used to update the IT system at the offices of the authority and more than half a million euros were saved by reducing the use of paper.

Architect Vincent Cassar, who will act as Chairman for the Planning Board, said that today, the authority is closing a chapter and opening a new one.

He said that the separation of environment from planning will make the authority stronger, not weaker.

Mr Cassar called on journalist to report MEPA processes truthfully as they are the ones who influence the public's view of MEPA. He also thanked former Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon for his help.