Building and Construction Authority CEO resigns days after fatal construction incident

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) CEO, Jesmond Muscat, resigned on Tuesday, according to a government statement.

With no reasons provided, the resignation comes just days after a construction incident where a worker lost his life while working on a site on Sunday.

It transpired that, according to the BCA following the fatal incident, works were not authorised and had no Planning Authority clearance. Further, the BCA was not aware of the works taking place.

Public outrage against incidents surrounding the construction and development industry continues to mount, with Prime Minister Robert Abela on Monday acknowledging that regulators still do not have the required resources to carry out adequate enforcement on existing safety measures.

The BCA’s shortcomings, together with shortcomings across the entire construction industry, was thrown under the spotlight in a damning report following the death of construction worker Jean Paul Sofia in December 2022.

The report was released in February 2024, and despite sweeping recommendations to strengthen the sector and safeguard workers, several incidents have since taken place.

The outgoing CEO has been in the role for less than two years, having been appointed in June 2022. His resignation and the search for the next CEO will see the BCA led by its third chief in as many years.

Mr Muscat was thanked for his work in a government statement, and further said:

“The ministry looks forward to the appointment of a new Chief Executive to further strengthen the Authority and continue reforming this sector in compliance with the Government’s electoral programme and the recommendations of the public inquiry [into the death of Jean Paul Sofia].”