MDA mulls having its own protest over lack of reform

The Malta Developers’ Association is contemplating holding a protest over what it says are failures to reform the construction and development industry.

MDA president Michael Stivala said the association has been calling for an “equal playing field” for years but has yet to see adequate progress.

“Discussions are ongoing for a protest to take place, we want reforms just as much as anyone else,” Stivala said during an interview on 103 Malta’s Heart yesterday morning.

His comments came moments before demonstrators came together in Valletta to demand action to protect Malta’s environment and change planning policies.

“It is being discussed, this protest – I personally prefer discussions, but it is still on the table. These reforms are not only for the benefit of the industry but for the good of the economy and to improve affordability (of housing).”

Stivala said certain proposals made by the MDA have been ignored by the government, though he did not go into further detail.

He said the MDA has been calling for a revision of the 2006 local plans and that the association has been calling for the licensing of building contractors for five years – a licensing system which will kick off next month after years of government stalling.

Stivala said the increase in buildings is a result of the island’s economic growth.

“There are more buildings because our economy is growing,” he said.

“The pressure for property is not coming from the developer, the demand is coming from society, a society that has changed drastically.”

Stivala said it is landowners who put pressure on the government to develop ODZ land. He said many landowners try to “convince” the government and developers to build on their land.

Questioned about the Comino hotel and bungalows project, Stivala said the project is beneficial to the country and will attract more tourists.

Stivala also pushed back against criticism of the MDA concerning high-rise buildings. The association was at the forefront of lobbying to ensure that specific zones are earmarked for high-rise buildings, he said.

“Before the policy, even Mdina could have been earmarked for a tower,” he said.

Asked why he felt citizens are protesting against developers, Stivala said the people’s anger is a result of the “volume” of developments.

“They are angry because there is so much traffic. But people must understand, all we are doing is buying land from the people. We do not have the power to change measures, we are not the government.”

Questioned about engaging former prime minister Joseph Muscat as a consultant, Stivala refused to comment as he was representing the association during the interview, not himself personally.