The construction industry should remain an economic motor but it should not be the only one, Prime Minister Robert Abela said Wednesday.

He was speaking during a pre-budget consultation meeting with the Malta Developers Association.

Abela said the government strengthened this industry through strategic decisions on importnt measures, particularly during the pandemic, where more Maltese people became home owners.

At the same time, Abela said, the construction sector needs to go through a transformation to remain sustainable.

The PM here referred to the reduction in emissions and Malta’s environmental targets on reaching carbon neutrality. All developers need to invest in newer machinery, he said, adding that the government has already introduced schemes to this effect.

MDA President Sandro Chetcuti noted that the government has implemented 28 proposals that had been put forward by the association, including the first-time and second-time buyer schemes.

He said the MDA is committed to see the industry contribute towards reaching our environmental targets.