On Wednesday, 4 June 2025, the Gozo Business Chamber, Europe Direct Gozo, the Assoċjazzjoni Bennejja u Kuntratturi (ABK), and Bank of Valletta jointly organised the conference “Managing Construction Sites: The Role of the Contractor”. The event brought together key stakeholders from the construction sector to engage in a frank and constructive exchange on pressing issues facing the industry in Gozo.
The central focus of the discussion revolved around three critical themes: the role of the site manager and the relative responsibilities, the lack of quality in construction work, the need for a more effective licensing rensponsibility, and the responsibility that builders and contractors must shoulder in ensuring professional standards and safety.
The event opened with remarks by Daniel Borg, CEO of the Gozo Business Chamber, who emphasised that construction is a crucial sector for Gozo’s economy. He underlined the Chamber’s role in providing platforms for education for all the economic sectors which are important for Gozo. He also highlighted how the Chamber can also provide its assistance to persons involved in the sector.
Michael Galea, President of the Gozo Business Chamber, echoed this sentiment, stressing that the Chamber can serve as a bridge between policymakers and the construction sector, and called for a shift towards more professionalism, compliance, and responsibility within the industry.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Michael Cutajar, President of the Assoċjazzjoni Bennejja u Kuntratturi (ABK), who focused on the responsibilities of contractors as defined by law, particularly Legal Notice 623.08. He outlined key duties such as site management, compliance with health and safety regulations, environmental mitigation, and quality assurance. Cutajar also presented common challenges on construction sites and best practices to overcome them, including continuous training, better communication systems, and proactive risk management.
During the discussion that followed, various participant – including contractors, builders, and project managers – contributed valuable insights, including the need for a more effective licensing regime and for a regulatory framework which not only focuses on the processes but also certifies the quality of the buildings that are being developed.
This event provided a much-needed platform for open dialogue on the future of the construction sector in Gozo, and the organisers reaffirmed their commitment to continuing this conversation and advocating for higher standards, better regulation, and sustainable development in the sector.
You can access the following documents here:
