The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti said that it has written to Prime Minister Robert Abela to congratulate him on his appointment and commend him for his “readiness to serve the nation at this most delicate moment in its history.”

The Council went on to say that it encouraged Dr Abela to tackle the “major challenges of rebuilding the State’s institutions and the country’s good reputation, and of reuniting a sorely divided nation.”

“All sectors of society expect much of the incoming Prime Minister and the new Administration,” said the Council, “including that they will not shirk from introducing the necessary modernising reforms in the State’s institutions, with procedures and regulations that are appropriate for a civilised, developed and respected nation.”

“The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti shares the high expectations from all professional bodies, constituted bodies and others that Dr Abela’s tenure will ensure a tangibly honest way of doing politics in Malta, at all levels,” it said “with people of integrity being entrusted with responsibility for our institutions. It is only in this way that all sectors of society can benefit equally.”

The Kamra tal-Periti noted with satisfaction some potentially significant administrative changes announced last week, that appear to “herald a very welcome departure from the indifference towards our environment, and a more sensitive approach to the several environmental and social issues which require urgent attention today and over the coming years.”

The Council said that “foremost among the new measures is the decision to place planning, environment and climate change within one portfolio under the responsibility of Minister Aaron Farrugia, in a bid to strengthen synergies and realign the balance between the oftentimes opposing priorities of the construction industry and the quality of our environment.”

“The appointment of Minister Carmelo Abela within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for sustainable development is also noteworthy,” said the Periti, “and hopefully announces a genuine commitment by the Prime Minister himself to place social and environmental sustainability high on the national agenda, at par with economic growth.”

The clear separation between construction and planning is also an important step in the right direction. The Kamra tal-Periti said that it has lobbied hard for several years for the two processes to be distinct and separate.

For the last 100 years, the Kamra tal-Periti said that it has been entrusted by the State with ensuring the progress and good standing of the profession. “The Council is committed to ensure that high ethical standards are upheld by its members, and that its principles are promoted throughout the whole of the construction sector.”

The Kamra tal-Periti concluded by saying that it looks forward to a close collaboration with the new Administration to “ensure the sustainability of the sector in tandem with the natural and cultural environment and to promote higher standards of quality and design in all matters related to the construction industry.”

Photograph: Kamra tal-Periti

Permalink: All sectors of society have high expectations of new administration – Periti