The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has issued 250 penalties for shortcomings found in construction sites so far this year.

Planning Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi answered a parliamentary question made by PN MP Graziella Galea, wherein she asked how many penalties have been issued this year by the BCA, as well as the reasons why these penalties were issued.

Zrinzo Azzopardi said that 250 penalties were issued by the BCA, with 166 shortcomings found as being work carried out without documentation or written approval by the authority. A total of 254 shortcomings were identified by the BCA.

16 shortcomings involved penalties issued due to shortcomings in responsibilities for implementation of measures of method declarations. Seven penalties were issued due to a lack of precautions taken so that damage to the water infiltration system of properties is not caused.

25 penalties were issued due to shortcomings of the advisory board. Seven penalties were issued due to inadequate measures to mitigate dust emissions. Zrinzo Azzopardi said that one penalty was issued due to inadequate hoarding.

20 penalties were issued due to excessive noise and work being done outside of the permitted time by law, or works being carried out in public holidays or Sundays. Four penalties were issued due to an obstacle on the pavement or moving traffic.

Six penalties were issued because a boundary wall was not set up adequately, with one penalty being issued for machinery too close to a public street. One penalty was issued for not removing waste material from the site.

Zrinzo Azzopardi clarified that the discrepancy between the number of penalties and the number of shortcomings at a construction site comes from the fact that there are cases where a single penalty is issued with more than one shortcoming.