Kopin is one of many organisations that endorses Moviment Graffitti call for a non-partisan protest

(Malta, March 6, 2020) – As a result of the tragic and unavoidable death of Miriam Pace, reflecting the impunity that the construction sector at large operates with, Moviment Graffitti is calling for a non-partisan protest against the unsustainable situation in which Malta finds itself. “Residents and citizens are held hostage by a group of developers who consider themselves above the law and have total control over politics, its players, and the authorities that should be administering it,” Moviment Graffitti criticised.

 

Last Monday afternoon (March 2), at 2:15 PM, a building in Triq Joseph Abela Scolaro, adjacent to a construction site, collapsed, killing 54-year-old Pace, whose body was found later that same night.

 

The construction lobby has been about profits above people and the environment, supported by inadequate laws, lack of enforcement and lack of safety for employees and residents. “The arrogant bullying attitude of this lobby are the result of years and years of donations and pressure on the world of politics”.

“Together with this, the legal notice drafted by Robert Musumeci after a spate of similar incidents last summer is the product of incompetence and servility towards the construction lobby. As we have repeated many times, accidents like this were going to continue because this “reform” did not tackle, in any manner, the structural problems within the system”.

 

The public’s justified anger will be voiced during the protest, along with the call for a serious and decent approach within the construction industry. Moviment Graffitti presents a proposal for a reform that will:

  • relieve residents of their financial and logistical troubles;
  • that will give workers their rights and safety;
  • that will introduce the licensing of contractors and developers; and
  • the introduction of a points and blacklisting system.

This proposal has been endorsed Kopin along with  many other organisations.

 

The protest will be held this coming Saturday March 7, starting at 10:30 AM from St. Thomas More College in Santa Venera. The protest will move towards the site of Monday’s tragedy, where a number of speeches will be held.

 

 

VIEW THE PROPOSAL

 

Written by Zoë Grivel