The new minister for planning, Hon Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, outlines his priorities for the current legislature and gives an insight into his vision for the planning and construction sector in the coming few years.
What is going to be your priority for planning and construction during this legislature?
First of all it’s important that Malta continues to register robust economic growth and the construction sector is a main contributor to this growth. It is in this sense that my priorities for this sector are based on the vision that we have to upgrade our standards in the planning and construction sectors and I believe that these can be achieved if we reach the aims that have been clearly laid out by the Labour Party in its electoral manifesto. Our Government has given proof of its ability to change where change is needed, a government that decides where decisions are needed as we firmly believe that when we stop changing and adjusting to the new realities, that will be the time when stagnation sinks in.
Last March, the majority of the electorate has given us a clear mandate to introduce timelines for construction projects, whilst also introducing building codes to ensure quality standards in excavation, demolition and construction.
Based on modern day realities, we are determined to insist that new buildings – built to maximum permissible height – must have renewable energy systems. All this is achievable on the strength of dialogue with all stakeholders, but most of all, by being sensitive to justified concerns raised by the general public. Government believes that a sensible balance must always prevail between economic realities and its impact on our communities.
Our manifesto is clear on the need to initiate serious discussions on making Urban Conservation Areas (UCA) irrevocable, save for extending them, and introduce buffer zones between UCA and standard development zones. This is another sign of our commitment towards safeguarding our heritage. We are intent on commencing consultation on a skyline policy to better regulate high rise buildings development. Government meanwhile will be insisting on more weighting to be given to energy efficiency in new buildings.
How do you see the industry developing in the coming five years?
The building and construction sector has proved to be resilient during the Covid-19 pandemic and its contribution to the National GDP. Our Government’s successful handling of the pandemic has permitted many sectors of our economy to continue to perform quite well and strive forward in a very difficult global environment. We all now know that the pandemic has brought with it an ever-changing socio-economic environment and there is a need to continue to transform wherever this transformation is needed Government will remain supportive towards this industry, and even more towards those – within the same sector – who are innovative, creative and respectful towards the environment and the community. The fact that this sector directly employs hundreds of workers, and thousands more indirectly, warrants a balanced approach when it comes to legislation and regulation.
But as you said, the construction industry has proven to be resilient during the Covid-19 pandemic, do you, however, believe that this trend will continue?
Yes. I don’t see why this sector won’t remain resilient, even though the challenges may seem daunting to some.
For the sector to remain ‘resilient’ operators must adapt to change, most especially in reducing the inevitable niusance caused to neighbourhoods by development. Operators should show respect for the communities, the environment and the people’s growing aspiration for the enjoyment of clean and peaceful open spaces. Operators must ensure thorough health and safety measures on their sites for the benefit of their workers and residents in their immediate vicinity. In my view, the sector should remain resilient, given operators remain vigilant of regulations. The sector will face a number of challenges, many of which are external, such as European directives,the Energy Performance Building Directive complemented by RES, EED and other related directives all of which promote efficiencies within the sector. All these are set to come at a capital cost, albeit with a more just and balanced outcome for both the developer, the investor and the general public as a whole.
Planning and construction often come under criticism by environmentalists and NGOs. Is there need for the industry to be more accountable?
This sector remains attached to traditional practices and I believe that a clear road map should be set for it to adapt to change. This sector often comes under fire for the behaviour of a minority, who have a complete disregard for regulation. We know that there is a movement to improving standards, and its own same lobby is moving to auto-regulate its members, while being bold with those who stray away from good-practice. We will continue to consult with all stakeholders to achieve our vision for this sector. Government remains committed towards ensuring better practices, whilst supporting awareness and education campaigns.
Are there new trends that the industry should adopt to become more sustainable? How would you be pushing to see these implemented?
The key for the industry to remain sustainable, in my view is the regeneration of vocational subjects within our vast educational system. Too many skills have been lost through the negligent attitude towards a regiment of past master-craftsmen, who were never utilised to pass on their knowledge onto the next generation. Their philosophy of skill-based art, good-taste and no-waste professionality has long been lost. However, while its useless to cry over spilt milk, I’d rather take a pro-active approach, and do something about it. I strongly believe that the key to a sustainable industry is in the creation of an appetite within our youth, to take on vocational skills, which by time – I am convinced – would lead them to fit into the creation of green jobs. What I’m talking about is sustainability through the creation of an ecosystem which will – by time – provide professionals to the sector who will upscale and generate innovative practices. I am more that sure that this sector will remain sustainable through innovation which will come from our ambitious youths, who in turn will be the catalysts towards new standards in the industry.
Do you foresee any changes in the structure or function of the Planning Authority (PA) and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA)?
This government is determined to change things for the better wherever is necessary for the common good.
Yes, change is always necessary because we need to improve things. Not much in the sense of structure to the authorities, but mostly to the regulatory regimes. It is envisaged that a set of National Building Codes that shall provide a consolidated regulatory and technical platform to industry are to be introduced. These codes will be based on a functional approach rather than prescriptive. With this, regulatory bodies are set to insist on professionalism. We are proposing the introduction of regulatory processes related to the licensing of contractors and the minimum skill requirements for any construction worker. These regulations should see the much-desired upscaling of our construction work force. All involved are intent on seeking to achieve ‘excellence’ or ‘quality’ not only in building or developing sites, but most of all, in creating the right eco-system that provides ‘quality contractors’ and a qualitative workforce.
This is the qualitative change that is set to be coming our way in this sector. Meanwhile, there is a clear political commitment towards the implementation of the long-term renovation strategy, which provides for the decarbonization of buildings by 2030 – 2040 – 2050. For the record, Government is doing its part also by increasing its commitment to decarbonize its own stock of buildings and likewise would expect the private sector to do likewise. In conclusion, allow me to state that government is looking at introducing a series of initiatives such as grants and schemes intended as support measures for those involved.
BCA is currently reviewing its so called ‘Document F’ and its ties to the EPC regime. The Building Passport equivalent regime that BCA is working on, will effectively mean that any property would have a ‘Log Book’ which would include an energy efficiency rating. We will push to make our buildings more comfortable by relying on efficiency by smart technologies and alternative green energy. Finally, our main goal is to see that buildings on this island will adapt and move towards durability, efficiency for re-purpose. Our main thrust shall be towards improved standards in the sector.
