The Chairperson of the Building and Construction Authority has resigned from her post, a government statement read.

Planning Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi accepted Maria Schembri Grima's resignation after he received it on Tuesday.

Her resignation came after a stop notice had been issued on a project of which Schembri Grima  is the architect, after debris was filmed flying onto Psaila Street, Birkirkara during demolition works. The planning permit for the project in question was issued to Excel Investments Ltd. of which Joseph Portelli is a shareholder. Neither the government statement, nor Schembri Grima’s made direct reference to the incident.

In her private capacity, Schembri Grima is one of Joseph Portelli's architects and sources close to the government informed MaltaToday that this was causing embarrassing situations 

In a statement, Schembri Grima said: "After due consideration I have decided to relinquish my post as Chairperson of the Building and Construction Authority and focus all my energies on my profession as Architect. I firmly believe that I have served this post to the best of my abilities. From its inception, the BCA has been a catalyst for change in the construction sector. On a personal note, I wish to stress the fact that contractors have great responsibilities when engaging in any form of work on a construction site. They are duty bound to follow the instructions of the Perit in charge in a rigorous manner. Failure to follow these instructions can seriously prejudice workers on site as well as third parties. As I have done during my tenure as Chairperson of the Building & Construction Authority since its inception, I stand firm with my commitment to see that key players in this sector improve the way of doing things to safeguard workers on site and third parties which I hold very close to my heart."

A video released by Times of Malta shows how large stones fell a height of at least three storeys onto the busy road.

Over the weekend, the CEO of BCA ordered that all the work be stopped as the demolition was not in line with the method statement that had been filed and approved and was “exposing third parties to danger”.

The project in question is at Psaila Street, corner with Fleur-de-Lys junction, located in front of a government school and house. The demolition work is being carried out by Excel Investment, which is owned by Joseph Portelli, and Schembri Grima is the leading architect.

Schembri Grima became chairperson of the BCA in 2021, even though she was and continued to be involved in many applications being submitted by leading developers, like Michael Stivala and Portelli.

The application to demolish the building was approved in November 2022 and clearance to start work was issued on February 1.

An application is pending for the building of 174 basement garages, 11 retail shops, 14 maisonettes/apartments at ground floor level, 96 apartments above and 17 penthouses with pools at a recessed fourth-floor level.

The Nationalist Party (PN), in a statement prior to her resignation, said that the government is only concerned with the interests of the individuals appointed to lead the authorities, and not ensuring the health and safety of professionals, workers and third parties who live or are near these sites. The PN said what the government is saying and promising does not reflect reality.

The PN had said that the government is appointing a number of people in various positions who either lack the necessary competencies or have clear conflicts of interest. This creates more confusion and makes construction sites even more dangerous. “The Nationalist Party notes that this lack of good governance, seriousness, and accountability, as well as the government's great apathy, does not bode well for us to have good governance, discipline, and enforcement in construction sites.”

The PN said that it appreciated the action taken by BCA officials to stop the work, even if they had to go against the reports of people. It added that the authority should be given the necessary tools and support to be more effective.

The statement was signed by spokesman Stanley Zammit.

Photo: MaltaToday