TABLE OF CONTENTS Report by the Chairperson of the Executive Council............................................................................................4 Planning Directorate....................................................................................................................................................................10 Compliance and Enforcement Directorate.................................................................................................................18 Corporate Services Directorate........................................................................................................................................22 Council, Boards & Committees...........................................................................................................................................28
REPORT BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Mr Johann Buttigieg Seeking to Continuously Ameliorate our Services The challenge to deliver on our declared commitments has been the prime target of my office in this first full year since the re-establishment of the Planning Authority. 2017 has seen the Planning Authority taking additional steps to sustain its ambition to be a lead player in the public sector. This included the introduction of a number of measures and initiatives such as the provision of efficient services to customers, the formulation of planning policies addressing current needs and the processing of development permit applications. The Authority also supported initiatives in favour of urban improvements, and improving the public interface with the launch of the new website. Improved and Innovative Mapping and Digital Services Perhaps one of the key indicators on the Authority’s efforts to improve its digital services is the record increase in the number of planning applications received, which increased by 24% over the 2016 figures. This year, through the new and upgraded eApplications portal launched in the beginning of the year, over 11,300 planning applications were received. The launch of the new online geographic information system provided both the general public and Periti a more user-friendly web-based interface. As a geoportal system, the Geoserver provides improved integration of maps and geographic data. The new software serves customers better, as complaints are geo-coded, making it easier for the Authority to address and investigate cases. With the Geoserver, the Planning Authority has also laid the foundation for the potential sharing of data gathered from other entities. One such service is the link with the University of Malta’s Cloudisle webportal which provides 3D maps of the Maltese Islands, including bathymetry up to one nautical mile from the coastline.
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+24%
*Applications received through the new and updated eApplications portal
A demonstration of the potential of this service was the purposely developed portal for the public consultation exercise on the proposed sites for public domain held in July. The public could view data on Government property and provide feedback from the same portal. The recognition received from Il-Kamra tal-Periti on the launch of this new geoportal was received with great satisfaction as another indicator of the Planning Authority’s constant efforts to improve its service to the customer. With this proactive deployment of GIS tools, we are now paving the way for the implementation of a highly ambitious project, to develop and implement a national spatial data infrastructure which will bring Malta to the forefront of geo-spatial technology. Through the SIntegraM project the Planning Authority is working in close collaboration with a number of partners, including all Ministries, to create a strategic approach to spatial data and the creation of critical base datasets. One of the first tasks of this ₏7 million project, which is being part-financed by the European Regional and Development Fund, will be to replace the current basemap and produce one that reflects the current context and needs. It will also create a purpose-built interface for users, including the general public, the business community and Government entities in real time. This intensive investment is expected to generate more specialised employment careers within the Authority and in preparation for the envisaged work, my office will make the necessary preparations for the establishment of a new Directorate for ICT, mapping and digital services. It is my intention to establish this new Directorate early next year, to sustain the advancement of the Planning Authority and make it a centre of excellence for geoservices.
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Updating the Policy Framework With the rate of socio-economic changes taking place in recent years, there was a need to update the existing policy framework, to reflect the present-day context. In 2017, the Planning Authority embarked on a number of partial Local Plan reviews. These included a new policy framework to address planning lacunae in the Central Malta Local Plan for the Magħtab Area, a revised policy framework for the area of Tal-Bajjad in Qormi, within the same Local Plan and new proposed planning parameters in the South Malta Local Plan for the Ħal Mula area in Żebbug. These processes were supported by a public consultation exercise for each revision, whilst SEA screening was triggered accordingly. Resource Efficiency and Environmental Performance One of the priorities that my office actively pursued in 2017 was to improve the Planning Authority’s efficient use of resources with a view to manage its environmental performance as a corporate entity. Continuing on the work kicked off the previous year, the refurbishment of the premises progressed steadily. Structural work on the Chairman’s block and the Visitor’s car park, as well as the refurbishment of the skylight in the foyer of the main building were carried out to maximise the efficient use of available space, whilst increasing accessibility. This year works commenced on the Enforcement block in Floriana. Our long-term goal is to continue to deliver an improved customer service for visitors to our premises, whilst demonstrating how this can be done through refurbishment techniques that favour resource efficiency. In effect, the plans to redevelop the Authority’s Gozo offices in Rabat are aimed not only to deliver an improved customer service but also to create the first nearly-zero-energy-building in Gozo. These initiatives complement the efforts already undertaken by the Authority to demonstrate the benefits of retrofitting for energy efficiency. From November 2016 to October 2017, the Authority consumed 739,987kWh over a period of 12 months compared to pre-project consumption of 831,110kWh for the same period. This effectively implies an energy saving of 12%. The Planning Authority’s challenge to deliver on its environmental performance is not limited to the building itself. In 2017 my office prepared the ground work for the establishment of environmental management procedures. This is being done in compliance with the ISO 14001:2015 certification on environmental performance. This will aim to improve the Planning Authority’s operations as a corporate entity, by systematically managing aspects related to infrastructure, such as water management, waste management and transport, from a functional aspect. This will be done by improving procedures pertaining to the application of the Strategic Environmental Assessment process in relation to spatial planning. It is my intention as Executive Chairman to lead the Planning Authority to achieve the ISO certification in the coming year. Sharing of Skills and Supporting Others Whilst aiming to deliver an effective and efficient service to the public and our customers, the management and staff of the Authority carried out various activities in support of the wider community.
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We have continued to assist philanthropic organisations through donations from in-house fund-raising initiatives. We organised heritage tours monthly. These tours have become very popular with the general public. The series of public lectures on various aspects of spatial planning were also received well by participants. Through the Development Planning Fund, the Planning Authority provided financial support for the implementation of 16 projects led by Local Councils, worth more than €1.9 million. These initiatives enable the Authority to raise awareness about the projects that are being implemented for the benefit of the general public. Continuous staff development is an integral part of our functions. We have been selected to participate in an Erasmus Mobility Project and we now plan to offer job-shadowing placements for our staff in Spain, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Ireland for a twoweek period. In addition, in support of the architectural profession, we have once again financially assisted the Malta Architects Awards 2017 which saw an increase in submission entries over the previous year. Another initiative that we kicked off successfully in 2017 was the two-day conference ‘Planning for Tomorrow’. This was held in October and featured key local and International speakers. The first day was open to the general public and elicited a significant response.
Consumption of energy by the Planning Authority
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Looking Ahead As Executive Chairman it was my priority in 2017 to see the new Planning Authority perform as effectively as promised when it was set up. The commitment is shared by our staff, who contribute towards this goal on a daily basis through the dedication to their respective tasks. As the Maltese Islands continue to rise to the challenge, competing in a global community, I expect the coming year will be laden with initiatives to ensure that spatial planning enables sustainable growth for all.
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More than
â‚Ź1.9 million was provided for the implementation of 16 projects led by Local Councils through the Development Planning Fund
PLANNING DIRECTORATE Development Management Division 2017 has been a remarkable year for the Development Services Division with a record breaking figure in submissions of 11,305 planning applications. This was an increase of over 24% over 2016. EUSPU This unit is responsible for EU funded and special projects within the Planning Directorate. During the year the unit received 227 applications of which 163 were processed. Ninety of these cases benefited from EU funding – 29 came from private applicants, 42 from government ministries and agencies and the rest from NGOs and the Church. Twenty applications processed in 2017 were related to the agricultural industry. Eleven applications were related to coastal activities including the construction of sea defences at Marsaxlokk Harbour, the repair of slip ways and the installation of fish weighing machines. The unit also processed a further 20 infrastructural projects, all of which were approved. These projects included the development of a fuel depot to service the national fuel distribution, waste facilities, upgrading of flood relief project and other electrical infrastructure. The major infrastructural works at the Marsa Junction were also approved in early 2017. The unit also processed 12 planning applications related to social housing projects. These applications sought to amend projects, to increase the number of units in line with revised building heights. In addition, 18 applications were processed for the construction of lift shafts within existing Housing Authority buildings. These form part of an extensive project extending into 2018, which will facilitate accessibility within more than one hundred and twenty social housing blocks. Other social related projects consisted in the upgrading of part of St. Vincent De Paul Hospital, the refurbishing of an existing health centre, the construction of a major regional health hub in Paola and a medical school in Gozo. Four private homes for the elderly were also processed and approved, together with a major community facility for persons with disability at Naxxar. Furthermore, an extensive number of restoration projects proposed by the Church, Government departments and NGOs were also processed. General Development Unit (GDU) The General Development Unit deals with development applications for sites within the development zone but outside urban conservation areas. In 2017, the unit witnessed a considerable increase in the caseload, due to the coming into force of the policy document DC15 and the introduction of procedural changes, including the summary procedure and the revised sanitary laws. The number of new applications within this category increased to reach an average of 465 each month.
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227 applications were received by EUSPU, out of which 163 were processed
EU Funding NGOs & Churches Government & Ministries Private
Business Development Unit (BDU) Despite the increase in caseload, the vast majority of planning applications assessed by this unit were concluded on time. During the year 2017, the BDU strived to deliver a better service by providing a focal point within the Planning Authority for business customers involved in all classes of commercial and non-residential development. The number of applications assessed by this Unit increased, in excess of 2000. The unit also faced more complications due to the relaxations of Schedule 1 criteria. With the experience gained in the past four years since the inception of this unit, as well as the commitment and focus of the dedicated officers working within the unit, BDU continued to deliver the same high level of service to all its customers. Major Projects Unit The processing of planning applications which are considered to be major projects is not only limited to the assessment of the development proposal but, in many cases involves extensive discussions with all stakeholders involved. This process starts well ahead of the actual submission of a development application and continues throughout the planning process. During the year, the unit assessed different types of proposals which were challenging, with the purpose of maintaining high quality sustainable development within the established Planning Policies and legal time frames. A variety of proposals consisted of large scale retail establishments, industrial development, reclamation of quarries, community facilities, quarries, high rise/landmark buildings for commercial use and tourism accommodation. Proposals included the refurbishment and extension of Riviera Hotel, the redevelopment of the ex-Imperial Hotel into a home for the elderly, the extension of the Westin Dragonara Resort and the Farsons complex.
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For schedule 1 applications, the Major Projects unit processed a total of 92 screening requests and saw an increase in its caseload of validated applications reach a total of 200. One hundred and fifty six major project applications were decided during the year. The major projects unit continued to show its commitment to ensure best practices in assessing applications in terms of quality, efficiency and transparency. Urban Conservation Area Team (UCA) The incentives provided for the regeneration and environmental improvement of the urban cores, such as the ‘Irrestawra Darek’ grant scheme, resulted in a considerable increase in planning applications within the UCA. Despite this increase, an average of 180 new applications per month, the UCA team managed the case load effectively. Outside Development Zone Team (ODZ) During 2017, the ODZ team continued to process applications for development located outside the limits for development. In all, 994 new applications were received and thoroughly assessed by the ODZ Team to ensure a balance between the provision of legitimate genuine uses and the safeguarding of biodiversity and the natural landscape. Minor Amendment Office During 2017, the Minor Amendment Office processed a total of 1,994 cases, an increase of more than 20% over the previous year. Although submissions increased when compared to the previous year, the office delivered an effective and efficient service to its clients. Development Notification Order Office (DNO) During the year, the DNO system became fully digitalised, and was thus integrated in the Authority’s eApplication system. This shift to an online system now provides Periti and the public with a more efficient and transparent way for DNO applications to be processed. In 2017, the office received 1,322 requests and processed 97% within the legislative time frames. Moreover, the approval rate increased by over 7% to an overall 98%. Billing Office In 2017, Billing Office was transferred to operate under the Planning Directorate. Working independently from the Vetting Office delivered positive results both from a quantitative and qualitative aspect.
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The office received
1,322 DNO requests and processed 97% within the legislative time frames
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FOREIGN POLICY RESEARCH, EU AFFAIRS AND FUNDING DIVISION During the first 6 months of 2017, Malta held the presidency of the EU Council and the division, through its EUMA unit, was directly involved. Three main international events were organised. An Urban Agenda Experts Group Meeting 3rd March 2017 A Director Generals Meeting about Urban Development 4th April 2017 An ESPON Meeting 24-25th May 2017 With regards to international funds, the Division continued to coordinate the implementation of ten projects worth over €7 million. The projects include topics that pertain to spatial information, human resources management, citizen science, green infrastructure, the SEA Directive, Intergrated Coastal Zone Management and smart cities. Six other projects, for a total budget of €1.5 million, were submitted and are currently being evaluated. Work commenced on another six tentative projects with an indicative budget of nearly €4 million on human resources, heritage management, green vehicles and nearly zero energy buildings. During the year, EUMA continued to follow development related to EU and multilateral legislation and policy. The Unit reacted to over 100 requests for information by the EU or other associated bodies. In October, the Planning Authority organised a national conference entitled “Planning today for Tomorrow” which included a number of foreign speakers. The division was involved in the logistics of organising this conference and provided direct support to the office of the Planning Board Chairperson. The Division, through its Research and Local Funding Team (RLF), manages requests for the funding of proposals from Local Councils, utilizing funds allocated for this purpose. At the beginning of 2017, the two Planning Authority funding schemes, namely the Urban Improvement Fund (UIF) and the Commuted Parking Payment Scheme (CPPS) were amalgamated into one fund, namely the Development Planning Fund. During the year, the Authority committed to finance 16 new projects worth more than €1,950,000. At the end of the year, the balance within the fund exceeded 27.8 million euro, with the localities of Sliema, St. Julian’s, St. Paul’s Bay, Valletta and Gżira holding the highest ratio of funds. The RLF team continued to work on the Green Transport scheme for its employees. The scheme encourages employees to commute to work using environmentally-friendly means of transport. These include the payment of an allowance to those who commute by walk, bicycles or scooters; the free top-up of Tal-Linja cards; and the reimbursement of ferry tickets across Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour. Twenty five percent of PA employees subscribed to participate in the nine operating initiatives, which is equivalent to approximately 100 employees. The Authority also endeavoured to share its experience with third parties, and in September a Green Transport seminar was held and was attended by 23 participants from various private and public-sector organisations.
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25% of PA employees subscribed to participate in the nine operating initiatives
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POLICY AND CO-ORDINATION DIVISION Green and Blue Development Unit (GBDU) In its first full year as a Unit, the GBDU has worked to achieve the targets set out in its business plan and is participating in two leading projects – SIM WESTMED Project and the EnRoute Project on Green Infrastructure/Urban Ecosystems. Two major tasks in 2017 were the implementation of the legal requirements of the PA emerging from the Public Domain Act and the establishment of the ISO 14001 System. The Unit has also been actively involved in the monitoring of the SEA process in spatial planning, drafting of a Legal Notice on afforestation and providing input to the SOER Land and Coast Chapter and other policy-making initiatives. Strategic and Local Policy Unit (SPU) Two policy documents, the Solar Farms Policy and the Height Limitation Adjustment Policy for Retirement Homes were brought into force following the conclusion of the SEA Screening process. Revisions to the Development Notification Order were also carried out. The revisions relate to the inclusion of development carried out by the Police Force and development carried out within the Corradino Correctional Facility. The unit also focused on policy work related to local plan reviews. Five draft policy documents were published for public consultation. These included a review for the area of Tal-Bajjad and Tal-Ħandaq in Qormi, the area of Ta’ Mula in Żebbug, the Magħtab area, and the area of Taċ-Ċnus in Xewkija, Gozo. Work also continued on proposals for a revised policy framework for Umberto Colosso and the urban design scheme for a site in Mosta included in the Development Zone in 2006. Input was also provided in the formulation of a revised legal notice and policy for billboards and advertisements. The unit monitored dwelling and commercial permissions granted and the processing of planning control applications for change in zoning throughout the year.
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Heritage Planning Unit (HPU) In 2017, the unit focused its efforts on the management of the heritage and conservation funding scheme ‘Irrestawra Darek’. The €8 million initiative was oversubscribed and had to be closed one month earlier than originally intended. A total of 883 requests were submitted. The unit continued supporting the development management process and the scheduling of buildings of cultural value through the scheduling process. Towards the end of the year a significant number of townhouses in Sliema and Msida were scheduled for conservation. Transport Planning Unit (TPU) The unit’s two main functions of supporting the development management process through evaluation of transport assessments, and of determining planning control applications continued throughout 2017. 63 planning control applications were received, 14 of which were all received in December. 50 applications were finalised, keeping the case-load constant. An increase in development applications requiring transport assessment was registered.
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COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE The Compliance and Enforcement Directorate’s mandate is to monitor and intervene where necessary on the building industry and other development falling under the Planning Act. It is also mandated to guide and provide stakeholders with comprehensive guidance on related issues pertaining to its field of expertise. Notwithstanding the increase in the number of Development and Regularisation Permits, Notification Orders and complaints, the Directorate continued to deliver a wide range of tangible outputs during the year. Over the past years, the strategy adopted by the Directorate has been to gradually shift its focus away from a total Enforcement system. Whilst seeking to confront serious incidents of wrongdoing, the Directorate strives to find solutions for lesser offenses and guides for compliance within the current legal framework. This shift in mindset has proven to be a better approach, with the Directorate issuing lesser enforcement notices whilst a positive shift in compliance and self-regulation was registered. Reflective of the aforementioned shift, the nature of the officers’ work and profile has been evolving over recent years. To this effect, a system of continuous training was devised together with the Corporate Services Directorate and the EU Affairs Division to increase the knowledge and experience of the officers involved in the field with the aim to institute a fully-fledged proactive compliance and enforcement regime. The Directorate invested in new technological tools to further assist its officials in the field. New communication equipment and live on-site information devices were procured in addition to small unmanned aircrafts to gather baseline data and access remote areas. The latter will be useful for mounting 3D imaging, volumetric calculations and better directaction planning. This will increase efficiency of the Directorate to process its workload. Enforcement Complaints During 2017, the Directorate received 3000 registered enforcement complaints of which 2900 were investigated. As a result of this, 500 grievances were addressed by contraveners in compliance with the directions given by the enforcement officers. All registered complainants were kept informed. The Directorate, throughout the year, processed 5600 commencement notices. These notices are a mandatory requirement and must be submitted by the permit holder a minimum of 5 days prior to works starting on site. The notices are checked and priority is given to those developments which are considered ‘complex’ for the Area Officers to monitor. Through this continuous monitoring of building sites and areas within the Maltese Islands, the Authority conducted over 4700 site visits, of which 350 were carried out after office hours including on weekends and public holidays. As a result of these inspections more than 3000 planning applications were submitted to sanction works since no permission had previously been sought.
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Enforcement Notices A total of 192 enforcement notices were issued on sites located in Development Zones while 123 were issued on sites outside the Development Zone. During the year, 279 contraveners complied with the enforcement notices issued against them by removing the illegality themselves. Another 749 enforcement notices were closed off due to sanctioning of works. Compliance Certificates In 2017 a record number of submissions were received, reaching a total of 9250. By the year end only 78 requests were still pending. In a constant effort to reduce the use of paper by the Authority, this Directorate contributed by going paperless when receiving requests and issuing compliance certificates. Regularisation Applications This new form of permit, which is only applicable to irregularities situated in development zones, generated an income of over â‚Ź9.5 million . The Directorate was put to task to process 5140 applications related to this initiative. The majority of the money collected from this scheme, up to 70%, are utilised in the restoration of properties that are scheduled or in Urban Conservation Areas, through the ‘Irrestawra Darek’ grant scheme. 20% is allocated towards the Development Planning Fund, for use by the Local Councils when undertaking community projects within their locality.
200
ODZ Development Zones
150 100 50 0
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192
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Direct Action During 2017, 135 enforcement notices were closed as a result of the removal of the illegal developments through direct action taken by the Authority. During the year, enforcement officers referred 60 enforcement notices for direct action to be taken by the Authority since the contraveners did not comply with their instructions to remove illegal developments. Here again, the strategy adopted by the Authority, even at direct action stage, is to persuade the contravener to remove the illegal development himself rather than have to bear the costs and refund the expenses incurred by the Authority. In this regard, 67 enforcement notices were closed off at direct action stage after the contraveners agreed to remove the illegal developments themselves before the Authority moved in. Nonetheless, the Authority still carried out 49 direct actions, 22 of which on sites within the Development Zone and 27 of which on sites outside the Development Zone (ODZ). These direct actions cost the Authority over â‚Ź110,000 and such expenses are eventually recovered from the contraveners themselves. In prioritising on direct action cases, the Authority seeks to address illegal developments which cause environmental harm on sites located outside the Development Zone and constitute an injury to amenity on sites located inside the Development Zone.
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135
enforcement notices closed through direct action taken by the Planning Authority
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CORPORATE SERVICES DIRECTORATE Human Resources Unit During 2017, the Human Resources Unit contributed actively to the areas of manpower planning and capacity building, succession planning, learning and development, health and safety, employee wellbeing initiatives and corporate social responsibility. In the area of manpower planning and capacity building, the unit focused on the handling of new appointments, progressions and reallocation of resources. Two hundred and seventy-five applications were processed throughout the year in order to fill 53 vacancies. This involved 128 interviews, which resulted in the recruitment of 25 candidates and 28 promotions. In a bid to attract new talent to the Authority, the Unit co-ordinated the engagement of ten University students and 3 MITA students for the summer months and the sponsorship of 2 IT apprentices from MCAST. As part of its succession planning programme, the Authority teamed up with the Faculty for the Built Enviornment, at the University of Malta, for the introduction of a number of courses in Spatial Planning at certificate, diploma and degree levels. The Authority awarded a sponsorship to 25 of its employees who are following the Certificate in Spatial Planning course. Over 7,400 hours of training and development sessions were provided to employees, including induction training programmes, formal training courses, participation in conferences and seminars and other informal development initiatives. The Unit organised a comprehensive in-house course for enforcement officers and other interested employees, aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge required on enforcement matters. 21 participants successfully completed this training course. The Unit co-ordinated the logistical aspects of a two-day Landuse Planning Conference held in October. The positive feedback received from the participants of this conference has bolstered the Authority’s intentions to organise similar events in the future. In 2017, the Authority was also successful in securing funding for the Consolidating Landuse Planning Skills project (COLPAS). Through this project, ten of our employees shall experience overseas job shadowing placements in various overseas organisations during 2018. The Unit has also contributed to the efforts of the EU Affairs and Funding Unit in drawing up an application for ESF funding for a comprehensive training campaign aimed at maximizing the operating efficiency brought about by the 2016 reform. The programme targets training to employees and other stakeholders on the various services offered by the Authority. A people survey was conducted among the Authority’s employees with a view to gauge employees’ attitudes and perceptions, while obtaining suggestions and ideas that can contribute to improve work-related aspects. The findings of the survey will serve as a
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basis for the Authority to improve those aspects that require attention. During 2017, the HR Unit proceeded with the negotations of the two collective agreements. Through the collaboration with both Unions and the Industrial Relatons Unit, the Authority aims at offering its employees a work environment and employment conditions that better address today’s challenges. During the year, an information session on personal protective equipment was organized and attended by 24 employees. The session’s aim was to raise awareness among employees of the importance of using personal protective equipment as a risk preventive measure in the execution of their duties. The immunisation programme, which provides inoculation for employees who are exposed to specific health hazards, continued throughout the year. The yearly influenza vaccine was voluntarily taken up by 75 employees. Other initiatives include the ergonomics evaluation of workstations by a qualified physiotherapist and the carrying out of eye tests for VDU operators. During 2017, twelve employees benefitted from teleworking, as part of the Authority’s family-friendly initiatives, bringing the number of teleworkers by the end of the year to 33. An event which the Authority holds regularly, as part of its coporate social responsibility, is the blood donation event. Two such events were held in 2017, with 26 participants contributing to the cause. The Unit organised team building activities for all the Authority employees. The activities, which were held in a rehabilitated quarry in Siġġiewi, were spread over five days and saw the participation of 277 employees. A health event was organised, in collaboration with the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate, during which staff from the Health Promotion Unit tested the employees’ glucose levels, blood pressure and body mass index. The Unit confirmed its unfaltering support to the Employee Assistance Programme, by guiding and assisting employees experiencing personal, emotional or behavioural problems which are interfering with their work-life balance. The Unit reinforced the employee discount card scheme by negotiating on behalf of employees discounted rates on various products and services including insurance services, dental clinics, private hospitals and clinics, cosmetic clinics and gyms. An informative talk on organ donation was organized to raise awareness among employees of the importance of organ donation in saving lives. 13 employees attended the talk. Regular dress-down activities were organised during the year, aimed at collecting donations for charities. The most popular were the two car wash events, where Management and employees washed cars against a donation to the Puttinu Cares Foundation.
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Procurement & Support Services Unit During 2017, the Procurement and Support Services Unit co-ordinated the completion of the structural works at the newly refurbished Chairman’s Block, the embellishment works in the outside visitors’ car park leading to the main entrance and the replacement of the skylight in the Authority’s foyer. The Unit commenced work on three other major projects, which include the refurbishment of the Authority’s main foyer, the redevelopment of the Enforcement Block at St Francis Ravelin and the redevelopment of the Authority’s Gozo offices in Victoria. The latter project will result in the first nearly zero-energy building in Gozo, and will include smart technology measures which will substantially reduce energy consumption and where possible generate energy onsite through renewable resources. In preparation for these new projects, the Unit started negotiations with third parties to lease temporary office space in Malta and Gozo, where the Authority shall be relocating its operations during the works whilst ensuring a seamless transition. The Unit managed the procurement element of the EU co-funded SIntegraM Project. Out of the 9 tenders published during 2017, 7 were awarded by the end of the year, exceeding €3.5M in total contracts value. In the second part of the year, the Unit issued a call for proposals for the engagement of a new canteen operator. During the transition, the Support Services staff carried out extensive refurbishment works in the canteen premises. The Unit also carried out numerous office relocations, converted a number of offices into boardrooms and carried out various building maintenance projects including the installation of roof membrane on one of the blocks. Finance Unit During the year ending 2017, the Finance Unit continued to consolidate on the tasks that it had commenced in the previous year, mainly the continuation of digitizing the accounting records and documents with a view to foster the paperless culture adopted by the organization in recent years. Every effort has been made to maintain the momentum gained in actively recovering long overdue debts. This included the recovery of dues from applicants under credit agreements and other outstanding debts for services rendered. Particular attention was given to the recovery of daily fines imposed on illegal development. The Finance Unit carried out various cost-benefit analyses for projects being considered by the Authority. It was involved in providing the financial basis for lease-or-buy and employ-or-outsource decisions and in other financial exercises involving the quantification of proposed cost-saving measures. The Unit also formulated a proposal for financial guarantees to be placed directly with the Authority replacing the requirement for bank guarantees with the objective of simplifying internal processes and increase efficiency. The proposal is currently in its implementation stages. During 2017, the Finance Unit considered various investment options so as to maximise the investment income on its cash holdings, whilst ensuring liquidity and the security on the capital invested. This involved negotiations with various banks and asset management 24
hours of employee training
covered in 126 topographic surveys
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institutions. Regular monitoring of the cash holdings is required for 2018, to minimize the effect of negative interest rates which will be introduced by one of the major local banks as from the beginning of the year. The financial health of the Authority allowed the clearing of the backlog of outstanding building levy refunds on permit applications, the repayment of loans taken in past years and the regular transfers of funds collected by the Authority on behalf of Government and other entities. In the final quarter of the year the Unit intensified its efforts to recuperate judicial expenses from appellants for cases decided in favour of the Authority for the years 2014 to 2016. It is being envisaged that recovery of judicial expenses for prior years will be undertaken in the first quarter of 2018. Land Survey Unit This year the unit saw an increase in both the setting out of alignments and topographic surveys. The registered requests for setting out was in excess of 1,500, which represent an increase of 25% and 57% over 2016 and 2015 respectively. 84% of the requests were processed in the prescribed time of ten working days. The topographic section has managed to maintain its current client base, while attracting new ones. These two factors contributed to the increase of topographic surveys. The total number of topographic surveys carried out in 2017 was 126 covering an area of over 701,000m2. The Gozo branch now provides a very effective and coherent service. Due to the outdated map of Gozo, numerous ad-hoc topographic surveys have to be compiled, a factor that occasionally interrupts the time-frames of the services provided. All senior staff members have been provided with software courses in land surveying and Geographic Information Systems. The unit has actively participated in the remodelling of the new digitized process of the planning control applications that will come in effect in 2018. Information Resources Unit After two years of intensive work, the Information Resources unit secured the necessary ERDF funds to start implementing the SIntegraM project. The funding exceeds â‚Ź7 million. The SIntegraM (Spatial Integration of the Maltese islands) project aims to develop and implement a national spatial data infrastructure and enhance the capacity of geospatial/GIS technology expertise for Malta. The project constitutes the creation of a strategic approach to spatial data, creation of critical base datasets, as well as enabling a legislative and mentality shift in terms of exchange and access to data. The project will ensure that the underlying aerial, terrestrial and bathymetric infrastructure and knowledge gain is made available to all Government entities in order for them to deliver the relevant analytical framework as required under national, EU and other international obligations.
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During the year, the unit also worked on drafting an ESF funding application and ESF Spatial Training Scholarships Scheme. Should this project be approved, training opportunities on Geographical Information related subjects will start being carried out from certificate to Masters levels. The outcome on the Authority’s ESF application is expected to be communicated in the first quarter of 2018. The unit was also involved in various national and international projects that continue to enhance the Authority’s expertise in Geographical Information. The Information Resources Unit (IRU) was highly effective in the management of date cycle from creation and sourcing of data inputting, analysis, reporting and dissemination. Together with members of the mapping unit, IRU completed a QA/QC exercise on ODZ built up areas. Mapping Unit The Unit has continued its endeavour in producing and updating the 1:1000 basemap, checking and ensuring the accuracy of the final product. The Unit continuously updates the topographic database through aerial imagery, ortho-photography and ground surveys. The Unit, either through contracts or the mapping shop, continued to provide digital map data to all its customers. The Geodetic Team is constantly monitoring the horizontal and vertical control networks and ensuring that these are up to international standards, whilst still providing the necessary ground control for photogrammetry. A sample of the 1968 aerial imagery is currently being geo-referenced to test the possibility of producing the 1968 ortho-photo map. Through EU funding and in collaboration with the Authority’s human resources unit, employees working within this Unit are being given the opportunity to experience job shadowing in Ireland.
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COUNCIL, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES Executive Council Chairperson Mr Johann Buttigieg Deputy Chairperson Perit Vincent Cassar Members Perit Ruben Abela * Dr Andre Borg Dr Veronique Dalli Perit Elizabeth Ellul Perit Michelle Piccinino Secretary Mr Joseph Borg * replaced by Dr Louise Spiteri on 28 July, 2017 Planning Board Chairperson Perit Vincent Cassar Deputy Chairperson Perit Elizabeth Ellul Independent Members Mr Joseph Brincat Dr Desiree Cassar Dr Timothy Gambin Mr Matthew Pace Representative of Environment NGOs Ms Annick Bonello Public Officers Ms Jacqueline Gili Ms Simone Mousu’ Dr Ivan Tabone
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Members of the House of Representatives Hon Ryan Callus Hon Dr Joseph Sammut* Secretary Mr Joseph Borg *replaced be Hon Clayton Bartolo on 20th July, 2017 Planning Commissions Development Permissions Chairperson Perit Elizabeth Ellul Members Perit Simon Saliba Perit Mariello Spiteri Supplementary Member Mr Carmel Caruana Regularisation Permissions Chairperson Mr Martin Camilleri Members Perit Anthony Camilleri Dr Charles Grech Design Advisory Committee Chairperson Dr David Mallia Members: Perit Raymond Demicoli * Dr Charlene Vella *resigned November 2017
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Agriculture Advisory Commitee Chairperson Mr Sharlo Camilleri Members Mr Frankie Ivan Caruana Dr Duncan Chetcuti Ganado Mr James Gauci Mr Sandro Sammut Mr Emanuel Sapiano Mr Joseph Zammit Users’ Committee Chairperson Mag Denis Montebello Members Mr Sandro Chetcuti Ms Miriam Cremona Perit Martin Debono Mr Mario Fava Ms Joan Haber * Mr Douglas Salt Mr Oliver Scicluna *resigned 11th April 2017
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