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Chamber welcomes building permits term extension, points to anomalies
The government’s choice toprolong building permits by three years for those expiring between November 10, 2023, and December31, 2024, has been positively received by the Chamber of Architects. Notably, a similar extension wasgranted during the COVID-19 crisis. Anticipating a forthcoming restructuring in the building industry,which encompasses contractor licensing, the introduction of a new builders’ license, updated buildingregulations, and the implementation of new standards for energy performance, taxonomy, and ESGcompliance, the chamber emphasised the potential for delays as the industry adapts. The governmenthas acknowledged this reality by extending the validity of permits.
Malta against lowering driving age to 17 as EU ministers approve new rules
Malta has expressedopposition to a European Commission proposal seeking to reduce the driving age to 17 across the EU,provided that an adult accompanies the driver. The Council of Ministers has recently endorsed theproposed regulations with slight modifications, advancing the process to the final approval stageinvolving discussions with the European Parliament. At the Brussels meeting addressing road safety,Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia conveyed Malta’s objection to the driving age reduction proposal.The country’s stance is rooted in its commitment to promoting public transport.
Boy, 7, critically injured as car crashes into trailer
On Monday afternoon, a seven-year-old boysustained critical injuries in a car accident when the vehicle he was travelling in collided with aparked trailer, according to the police. The incident occurred at 2:15 pm on Triq il-Bacir, Paola. Thedriver, a 51-year-old woman from Zabbar, lost control of the Renault Captur she was operating,resulting in a collision with the trailer. The seven-year-old boy, who was in the car at the time,suffered serious injuries.
Morning Briefing
Ombudsman calls out government inaction on notaries’ unpaid taxes
The ombudsman has called out the government’s stance of absolving itself from accountability regarding notaries who neglect to remit property buyers’ taxes to the tax authorities, deeming it “illogical.” In a vehemently worded report, Ombudsman Joseph Zammit McKeon highlighted the current absence of recourse for individuals affected by unscrupulous notaries, aside from resorting to legal action. He emphasized that without repaying the taxes owed on property transfers, affected buyers would face an impasse preventing the completion of their property purchase. Citing notaries as public officers entrusted with government-assigned responsibilities, the ombudsman argued that property buyers couldn’t reasonably anticipate a notary’s failure to transfer the taxes to the Commissioner for Revenue. Dismissing the claim that the choice of notary absolves the government of responsibility, the ombudsman labeled this reasoning as illogical within the context of his office’s perspective. (Times of Malta)
Jean Paul Sofia’s parents sue persons involved in son’s death
With the support of the Public Interest Litigation Network (PILN), Jean Paul Sofia’s parents have initiated legal proceedings in Malta’s civil courts, seeking recompense for both moral and material damages. The lawsuit targets five individuals and their associated companies implicated in the tragic event of December 3, 2022, when a construction site in Kordin collapsed, resulting in the loss of Jean Paul Sofia’s life. Those implicated in the case include Perit Adriana Zammit, Matthew Schembri (both individually and as directors of All Plus Ltd and Whitefrost Company Ltd), Kurt Buhagiar, and Miromir Jovicevic and Dijana Jovicevic (both personally and as representatives of Milmar Construction Ltd). (Maltatoday)
Enemalta resubmits application to instal fiber optic cable through Comino
Enemalta, the energy provider in Malta, has submitted an application for trench excavation on Comino, this time intending to install a fiber optic cable. The proposed trench route starts from the Comino side near the Santa Marija Battery and links to Enemalta’s distribution center on the island. Enemalta aims to enhance safety measures by encasing the fiber optic cable in concrete and securing it with a manhole. While both the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage have not opposed the project, they’ve stressed the necessity for caution due to Comino’s status as a Natura 2000 area—an EU network protecting natural sites. (Newsbook)
