Planning Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi explained on Wednesday that the minimum age required for applying for demolition, excavation or building works has been raised from 18 to 21.
The Minister explained that the minimum age that was originally proposed last March was 18, but has been raised following suggestions in a consultation period.
Licensing, the minister argued, will improve the quality of the construction sector and lead to better law enforcement. This of course gathered steam after the tragic death of Jean Paul Sofia, with protests and demonstrations insisting authorities address the matter better.
The legal notice which introduces the license requirement for contractors is being finalised and will be published once the European Commission gives clearance.
New and old building contractors will be required to have insurance, along with the status of one’s police conduct and financial stability. The reform could see applicants guilty of a serious crime in the five years prior to applying not being eligible for such a license.
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