The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) as well as the Building Industry Consultative Council (BICC) have said that the formal consultation period has not even commenced on 'Section 1' of the new Maltese Building Code, but added that consultation will take place.

The BCA and BICC issued a right of reply in response to arguments made by the President of the Chamber of Geologists in the article titled: 'New Chamber of Geologists established, aims to ensure public safety.'

The full Right of Reply can be read below:

We refer to the article 'New Chamber of Geologist established, aims to ensure public safety'.

BCA and BICC welcomes this news and look forward to work closely with this Chamber.

It is a fact that the Maltese building trade is currently going through the largest overhaul ever with the main scope and objective of the transformation process being that of a much safer environment, one that is prepared and ready to deal with modern challenges such as high-tech buildings, energy efficiency, comfort and climate change. It goes without saying that the main challenge is the change in culture and therefore both BCA and BICC are open and invite everyone to support and assist towards reaching such goals.

With reference to the specific article, BCA and BICC note that it is not faithful to the facts and contains misinformation and possible contradictions. We therefore appreciate if the newspaper would clarify these matters as countless professionals are contributing much effort to the new National Building Codes that ultimately are aimed to achieve a safer method of building and safer construction sites.

Within the above context, BCA and BICC would like to note the following facts and clarifications:

1.       The new National Building Codes are to be read with other intended draft legislation including but not limited to the introduction of a contractors' licensing process, health and safety education, skill card recognition and many other initiatives all intended to be implemented after adequate consultation processes in an organized and timely manner. Essentially these 'backbones' to change shall create a culture change in the industry.

2.       Specific to the National Building Codes, good to note that the first draft of 'Section 1' of the new Maltese Building Code deals mainly with Demolition, Excavation and Structure for the Maltese Islands, and is being concluded internal by the official stakeholders of the BICC in accordance with the current legislation. It is therefore incorrect for one to state that the consultation period has been concluded when the formal consultation period has not even commenced. The final draft is therefore still to be issued for consultation with the general public and every organization shall be invited and encouraged to participate in the process.

3.       From a legislative aspect, it is only after the consultation period is over, iterations conducted as necessary that it may proceed towards becoming legislation. In addition, this being a National Building Code would also need to pass the technical test relative to the EU Commission's structure pertinent to such matter.

In addition to the above, BCA and BICC note that the Chamber of Geologists, in accordance with the said article was formed very recently, therefore it fails to understand the author's reasoning behind the complaint of it being recognized four months ago when it was not in existence.