The Building and Construction Authority has pointed out that the responsibility of preparing a method statement remains with the architect, reminding the Chamber of Architects of this following today's published conclusions of its investigations regarding the former GO Exchange in Birkirkara.

The BCA released a statement on Friday, in reaction to the investigation carried out by the Chamber of Architects, which has exonerated architect Maria Schembri Grima of any responsibility linked with the dangerous demolition of the former GO outlet.

The Chamber of Architects have concluded that it has closed its investigation against the periti involved since no breaches of the Periti Act were established, largely pointing the blame at the contractor who failed to follow the demolition method statement, nor adhere to proper instructions.

The chamber also said it regretted that the Building and Construction Authority did not cooperate with its investigations.

"The Authority wishes to emphasize that every time the Chamber of Architects requests formal collaboration in such situations and on other occasions, such as hearing cases, the BCA always offers its full cooperation," it said.

It continued that the lines of communication with the Chamber of Architects are always open, especially given that the Chamber is a key collaborator in the reforms being undertaken by the authority in the construction sector.

The BCA also said it wished to remind that, according to Regulation 9 of Subsidiary Legislation 623.06, professional responsibility for the preparation of the method statement remains with the 'Perit', while the responsibility for enforcing the method statement lies with the Site Technical Officer, whereas the implementation of measures specified in the method statement falls under the contractor's responsibility.