The construction industry will play a vital role for the economy to recover after the Coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Robert Abela said today.
Abela was speaking during a meeting with the Malta Developers Association and the Federation of Real Estate Agents led by Sandro Chetcuti and Douglas Salt.
Abela was accompanied by Minister for Environment and Planning Aaron Farrugia and Chris Agius, Parliamentary secretary for Lands and Construction, with the newly-appointed MDA director general, Marthese Portelli, forming part of the delegation which met the PM.
Schools, church services, bars and restaurants have all been closed to stop the spread of covid-19, but construction work continues.
The construction sector is also suffering from the crisis, although it has continued to function Chetcuti said.
Abela said that the construction industry is important for the economic recovery once the Coronavirus pandemic is over. "I have faith in the sector, as long as the sector follows the correct regulations," he said.
"Yes we will face a difficult period, but we must help one another. Every sector is facing difficulties currently and everyone is trying their best to continue working, but it was impossible to stop all workers right now and that is why we prioritized,” Abela said.
"What we experienced in the past seven years will come again and the government is here to support everyone.
Zero income for the property industry
The property industry is currently at a standstill, Salt said. "This industry is made of a large amount of self-employed workers, who are all currently working behind closed doors, but with the new measures and social distancing, it is extremely difficult right now," said Salt.
He explained that currently the sector has zero income, which makes it more difficult to pay stakeholders and salaries. He said that it the well-being of employees is very important and that he wishes to keep all employees on board.
"Once this is over, our start up time will take longer than other industries," explained Salt.