Three quarters of architects’ applications deficient - Austin Walker
James Debono
Three quarters (75%) of the applications submitted by architects to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) are incomplete or deficient in some way, MEPA chairman Austin Walker claimed in the organisation’s latest annual report.
Walker called for a culture change within the Architectural and Planning profession.
“In a scenario where the professionals compete for clients, it can no longer be acceptable that 75% of the applications submitted to MEPA are incomplete or deficient in some way,” he said in the report.
But according to Kamra tal-Periti president Vince Cassar, the percentage quoted by Walker is “suspect.”
“I feel that the percentage given is suspect and it would be more valuable if MEPA were to give a more detailed description of the omissions or deficiencies that are being referred to”.
He also called on MEPA to provide statistics of its own deficiencies, and state what it is doing to address them.
“All the stakeholders of the planning process need to assume their responsibilities and therefore the culture change aspired to by Mr Walker needs to be embarked upon by both sides – the architecture professionals and the MEPA employees… Without this culture change the MEPA reform will not achieve its intended objectives,” Cassar told MaltaToday.
The Kamra would be willing to enter into discussions with MEPA for the latter to bring such instances to its attention, and for the Kamra to take the appropriate action to remedy the situation where such instances occur.
The Kamra is currently undergoing a reform process aimed at improving the delivery of the services provided by periti (architects, draughtsmen and civil engineers) to their clients. This process, which is currently being discussed with government, entails a number of amendments to the current legislation, a revised Code of Professional Conduct and the introduction of compulsory Professional Indemnity Insurance cover.
Moreover, the Kamra has already drafted a guide for clients on the services that architects should provide and Standard Forms of Agreement that should be entered into between architects and their clients. jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt
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