Throughout Malta’s history, going back even to the times of the Knights of St John, the construction industry always played a central role in the development of our small island’s economy. Armed with little resources, the industry based its accomplishments on Maltese stone, the skill of the Maltese worker and the wisdom of the entrepreneur.
Irrespective of the industry’s sheer importance, stakeholders had for centuries been split haphazardly, with neither proper inter-communication opportunities; nor a proper set-up to do so. Even of more concern, was the fact that they traditionally stood without a united voice to their name with the country’s law makers and administrators.
September 2010 proved to be a turning point.
Design & Build has interviewed the MDA Council so as to bring to light its history, and what makes the MDA so successful, and vital to the property and construction sectors.his inspiring interview.
F or Sandro Chetcuti, an impossible dream was about to become real.
His ambition was to bring construction industry stakeholders together, be they developers, contractors, quarry owners, real estate agencies, individuals operating rental businesses as well as those providing renewable energy and other technical solutions. By so doing, it was believed that the industry. The Malta Developers’ Association was thus born.
Sandro Chetcuti was backed fully by Perit Michael Falzon. Their belief, since the Association’s inception was that the industry deserved and required a prominent role amongst the other sectors which led the Maltese economy. Chetcuti and Falzon were the prime drivers of this dream. Rolling up their sleeves, Sandro planted the seeds of what the Association bloomed into today.
Despite tough beginnings the Association went on from strength to strength. Its membership base – the root and foundation of the organisation – refuses to stop growing. This factor alone already acknowledges the Association’s professionalism, dedication and strong vision for the future of the industry.
The Malta Developers’ Association was born during a period of economic and political upheaval. The circumstances at that time meant that the construction industry was not passing through one of its finest moments. Yet through Chetcuti’s persistence it kicked off
Its membership includes entrepreneurs who employ hundreds of people as well as self-employed individuals undertaking small construction projects – all of whom understood the concept of strength in numbers.
From the onset, the MDA understood the need for a drastic change, particularly in the mentality which very much was – until that time – maintaining the status quo even if change would reward the industry with better quality. The MDA thus started the mentality shift and introduced incentives which built trust amongst those engaged in any form of the industry’s business.
Backed by its members, the MDA started to put forward a number of its proposals to the Governments in office, in order to stimulate growth and improvement. The MDA’s work started bearing fruit from the very start. Although faced with scepticism in the initial years, the Association painstakingly built its credibility along the way to the point where it stands today – the industry’s natural voice which has brought the understanding of all to consult with and engage in dialogue.
A Success Story
The MDA is now synonymous with a number of successful schemes that contributed towards strengthening the Maltese economy. The schemes are various and carefully designed to support the various sectors the Association works with. From supporting first time buyers, to introducing a reduction of Capital Gains Tax and Stamp Duty on property sales, as well as incentives to reduce bureaucracy, these schemes have brought the confidence the industry and its stakeholders needed. These schemes gave a strong confidence boost to the members of the Association – not just for themselves but also in their capability to invest and be drivers of the Maltese economy.
The results of the Association’s work are there for all to see. Through the ideas generated by the MDA, Malta has gone through a period of strong investment and economic regeneration which hadn’t been seen for a number of years
In order for the MDA to continue in its growth path and to remain a strong and diversified voice, it has evolved from the construction industry entrepreneur’s voice, to a wider umbrella – uniting all those connected to the industry and all the new economies resulting from it.
The setting up of sub-committees, branches and sections representing the various facets of the industry means that these sections’ specific needs keep continuously being managed and handled properly.
The developers, the contractors, the quarry owners, the landlords, the real estate agencies, the renewable energy businesses and the technical section each have their own forum which focuses on the specific challenges and vision of the respective section. This has proved to be very useful and efficient. Just to mention one example, the section representing the quarry owners is actively working on addressing the industry’s need to solve the disposal of waste issue as well as on the need to find a feasible solution to recycle construction material efficiently and effectively.
Striving for Innovation
The MDA’s ongoing drive for innovation resulted in the introduction of the Safer Neighbourhood Scheme. This initiative is aimed at raising awareness on one’s rights and responsibilities as well as establishing better neighbourhood practices between the construction industry and those living adjacent to construction sites, thus giving them better peace of mind.
This scheme is a perfect example of the way the MDA is looking away from just the sole interests of its members, because its aim is to become a more open and inclusive organisation.
Despite tough beginnings the Association went on from strength to strength. Its membership base – the root and foundation of the organisation – continues to grow unhampered
With a strong local network, the MDA set its sights on extending its network beyond our shores. In 2017, the Private Public Partnership – Property Malta was set up with the primary objective of promoting Malta on an international plane and attracting investors and residents to Malta.
MDA contributed towards these efforts by being present at a wide variety of international industry related fairs, conferences and events in order to increase Malta’s visibility and reputation in this sector. Not least, was the affiliation to a number of international organisations. The MDA is a participating member in the European Union of Developers and House Builders (UEPC).
One of the most successful achievements the MDA is proud of is the development of a long-term plan developed with a clear vision thanks to its solid foundation and the need to take a professional approach in all that it does.
Recently the Council approved the appointment of its first Director General – lawyer Marthese Portelli, who was roped in to ensure that the Association’s long-term, sustainable plan will not just be developed but actually implemented.
Working closely with the President and Council members, the Director General has already embarked on implementing a number of activities, including focusing on the implementation of more best practices within the industry. All this is being developed with the Association’s members and the industry’s challenges in mind.
The continued support of the membership is essential if we want to succeed and have a harmonious working relationship with our stakeholders
Building Bridges
The MDA remains committed to open dialogue not only with the industry, but also with all the other stakeholders and civil society. The MDA’s approach is one of a wider engagement process and more discussion, to trigger fruitful exchanges of ideas.
Enthusiasm for the Future
After a decade of unceasing hard work, the Association is now looking to the future with more enthusiasm than ever before. It is witnessing an enhanced understanding by the industry of the need for constant improvement in quality of operations, and of output. Such quality will be the basis for the country and the industry to coexist soundly.
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