The Occupational Health and Safety Authority said that the project timelines related to the Bugibba Square project are outside its remit. Its focus is on the health and safety of workers.

The OHSA was reacting to the story published in The Malta Independent on Sunday (Another bleak summer approaches for Bugibba businesses, residents as main square project drags on) in which businessmen and residents complain about the delays in the completion of the project.

The work was supposed to have been concluded before the start of this summer, but it is unlikely that this will happen.

In a right of reply (carried below), the OHSA said it wanted to clarify its role and engagement with this project.

"The Authority has been actively monitoring the works at the Bugibba Square - both in response to complaints received and on a proactive basis. In all instances, OHSA's inspections focused on the health and safety of workers on site, which is the Authority's primary statutory mandate. Where risks were identified, OHSA ensured that appropriate mitigating measures were implemented before closing any action. The Authority does not take a light-touch approach to safety.

"It should be noted that OHSA's remit is the protection of workers' occupational health and safety. Matters such as project timelines and the management of works, fall outside the Authority's scope and within the remit of the project's managing entity.

"Regarding the claim that residents contacted OHSA and were informed that the Authority could not intervene, OHSA wishes to clarify that all complaints received in relation to the occupational health and safety of this project - as with others - were followed up without exception. No communication of the nature described was ever issued by this Authority.

"OHSA remains available to receive any complaints relating to occupational health and safety at this or any other workplace through Helpline 138 (available 24/7) or by email at [email protected]"